The city of Fez has been famous for its tanneries for several centuries. Today there are only three of them left. But the largest is the Chouara Tannery, located near the centre of the Medina.

At first, it may seem that the tanneries are a relic of the past. But in fact, it is quite a modern enterprise, which employs about 500 families. But they use the same technologies and principles of leather processing as a thousand years ago. This is why leather products produced in Fez are valued so highly.

The leather processing is unusual and interesting. First, it is soaked in pigeon droppings to make it soft and pliable. Then it is colored using only natural materials: the green color is obtained using mint, for yellow, they take saffron, and the poppy colors the leather red. It is interesting, that the paint in the vessels is not changed every day, but once a week. This saves raw materials and optimizes the time spent. The entire leather processing takes 22 days.

The vessels used for making leather were built on this place many centuries ago. They were not altered, not moved, only repaired if necessary. Usually they work here in dynasties: the salary of dyers in comparison with other places is quite high, but the working conditions, to put it mildly, are not the most comfortable. Therefore, modern youth is in no hurry to learn this craft. So it is passed from father to son. Women are not allowed to work in such workshops.

It is quite difficult to get to the tannery, directly to the production. To do this, it is best to get the support of a local guide. If this does not work, you can go to the observation decks. But since all of them are purchased by local stores that sell leather goods, it is clear that the entrance to them is not free. The price, it should be noted, is symbolic. And if you buy something in advance from one of the merchants, then, as a bonus, he lets guests see the tanneries for free.