The Fez tanneries rank among Morocco’s most remarkable historical sites. They are not merely a place to visit, but a living factory whose history spans centuries, offering a unique sensory experience to visitors from around the world. These traditional tanneries, especially the famous Chouara Tanneries, represent one of the oldest industries that continues to operate using the same traditional methods for hundreds of years.
The purpose of this comprehensive guide is to provide you with everything you need to know about visiting Fez tanneries, including their rich history, the leather tanning process in Fez, how to handle the characteristic smell of Fez tanneries, the best viewing points for Fez tanneries, and practical tips to make the most of this exceptional experience. We’ll also explore opportunities to purchase high-quality leather products in Fez.
The Fez tanneries hold a special place as the oldest tanneries in the world still in operation, making them an essential destination for any visitor wanting to touch Morocco’s living history.
History of Fez Tanneries: A Centuries-Old Traditional Craft
The Fez tanneries are among the world’s oldest traditional tanneries still operating today, and have formed a vital part of the city’s economy throughout their long history of Fez tanneries. This ancient industry is not just an economic activity, but a cultural heritage that tells the story of an ancient civilization.
Establishment of the Tanneries (9th Century) and Their Status Among the World’s Oldest
The history of Fez tanneries dates back to the early centuries of Fez’s founding, where historical sources indicate that these tanneries began operating as early as the 9th century. This ancient history truly makes them among the oldest tanneries in the world that continue to function using the same traditional methods.
What distinguishes these tanneries is their continuous operation without interruption throughout history, making them a living witness to Morocco’s civilizational development. The craftsmen working there today follow the same techniques inherited from their ancestors, thus preserving the authenticity of this industry.
Role of Tanneries in Fez’s Economy and Artisanal Heritage
The Fez tanneries have played a central role in the city’s economy throughout history, serving as the main source of tanned leather that other artisans transform into various products. The manufacture of traditional Moroccan babouches, leather bags, belts, and wallets – all depend on the high-quality leather produced by these tanneries.
The tanneries are closely linked to Fez’s status as a center of traditional craftsmanship in Morocco. They are not just a place for leather tanning, but an integral part of the complex artisanal ecosystem that characterizes the medina.
Traditional Leather Tanning Process in Fez Tanneries
The Fez tanneries follow a traditional leather tanning process in Fez that has hardly changed over the centuries, relying on natural materials and considerable manual labor. This complex process requires great skill and patience from the craftsmen who execute it.
Colored Tanning Vats
The first thing that catches a visitor’s attention is the famous colored tanning vats that form the iconic view of Fez tanneries. These circular and rectangular stone vats are filled with various colored liquids, each serving a particular stage of the leather tanning process.
The vats are built from traditional stone and carefully divided to facilitate the passage of hides from one stage to another. The different heights of the vats help with water flow and efficient cleaning of the hides.
Steps of the Tanning Process (Cleaning, Softening, Coloring)
The leather tanning process in Fez goes through several fundamental stages:
Cleaning and Softening Stage: The process begins by soaking the hides in a mixture of lime and pigeon droppings to remove hair and fats. Pigeon droppings contain natural ammonia that helps soften the hides.
Tanning Stage: Natural materials such as animal brains, oils, and salts are used to tan the hides and make them supple and resistant to putrefaction.
Dyeing Stage: This is where the vibrant colors that make the tanneries famous appear:
- Red from poppy
- Orange from henna
- Blue from indigo
- Green from mint
- Brown from cedar wood
- Yellow from saffron
Drying Stage: The dyed hides are hung on house rooftops or walls to dry in the sun.
All these operations are performed manually by skilled workers who stand in the vats and work with their hands, giving a human character to this ancient industry.
The Fez Tanneries Visiting Experience: Strong Odor and Vibrant Colors
Visiting Fez tanneries is an experience that engages all the senses, and what distinguishes it most is the contrast between the strong smell of Fez tanneries and the vibrant colors that fill the place. This contradiction between sensory challenge and visual beauty makes the visit unforgettable.
The Distinctive Smell and How to Handle It
The smell of Fez tanneries is strong and pungent due to the nature of the tanning process that uses pigeon droppings and natural ammonia. This smell is an integral part of the visiting experience, but there is a traditional method to manage it.
Shop owners surrounding the tanneries offer visitors a fresh mint sprig to hold near the nose to help mitigate the intensity of the smell. This charming tradition shows Moroccan hospitality and helps visitors better enjoy the experience.
It’s important for visitors to know that this smell is completely natural and results from the natural materials used in tanning, and that it’s part of the authenticity of this traditional industry.
Vibrant Colors in the Dyeing Vats
In striking contrast to the challenge posed by the smell, the dyeing vats of Fez tanneries offer a dazzling visual spectacle. The vibrant and varied colors create a natural artistic palette that captivates the eyes:
- Deep crimson red
- Warm radiant orange
- Clear sky blue
- Refreshing emerald green
- Rich earthy brown
- Brilliant golden yellow
These natural colors, extracted from plants and minerals, reflect the mastery of Moroccan artisans in using natural resources to produce durable and beautiful colors.
The surrounding sounds complete the sensory experience, from the voices of workers at their tasks to the sounds of the surrounding medina, creating an authentic atmosphere that takes the visitor on a journey through time.
How to Visit Fez Tanneries: Viewing Points
It’s not possible to enter the tanneries’ working area directly for safety and health reasons, but you can view Fez tanneries clearly from the terraces of surrounding buildings. This system ensures visitor safety while giving them the opportunity to enjoy the complete view of the tanneries.
Viewing from Leather Shop Terraces
The traditional and optimal method to view Fez tanneries is to access the terraces located on the rooftops of leather shops that surround the tanning vats. These shops welcome visitors willingly because viewing the tanneries is naturally linked to their business of selling leather products made from these tanned hides.
Shop owners are generally friendly and understanding of visitors’ desire to see this historical monument, and they offer help and guidance to access the best viewing points.
Choosing a Viewing Point (Different Terraces)
The terraces of different shops offer varied angles and views of the tanning vats. Some terraces are higher and offer a complete panoramic view, while others are closer to specific sections of the tanneries and offer clearer details.
The most popular Fez tanneries viewing points include:
- Terraces overlooking the main Chouara tanneries
- High points that offer an aerial view of the colored vats
- Close angles that show details of the craftsmen’s work
Shop owners generally guide visitors to their terrace and explain the best angles for observation and photography.
Are There Fees for Viewing the Tanneries?
There are no official entrance fees for viewing the tanneries from the terraces, but visitors are expected to browse the shop’s leather products after viewing. This system works on the basis of mutual benefit – visitors get the opportunity to view, and shop owners get the opportunity to showcase their products.
You’re not obligated to buy, but browsing the products is expected and appreciated. Sometimes a small tip might be expected for the person guiding you to the terrace, especially if they provide a detailed explanation of the process.
Shopping for Leather Products Related to the Tanneries
After observing the tanning process, you might want to acquire some leather products in Fez made from these high-quality hides. The shops surrounding the tanneries offer a wide range of authentic leather products.
Types of Available Products
Leather products in Fez available in this area include:
Traditional Products:
- Moroccan babouches (traditional shoes)
- Bags of various shapes and sizes
- Wallets and small bags
- Decorated leather belts
Modern Products:
- Leather jackets and coats
- Women’s handbags
- Travel luggage
- Leather cushions (poufs)
Gifts and Souvenirs:
- Notebooks with leather covers
- Jewelry boxes
- Keychains
- Various accessories
Shopping and Negotiation Tips
Shopping in this area requires some skills in bargaining, which is part of Moroccan commercial culture. Here are some tips:
- Start by offering 50-60% of the asking price
- Be prepared to walk away if you don’t reach a suitable price
- Ask about leather quality and its source
- Check the quality of stitching and finishing
- Don’t hesitate to compare prices between different shops
Tips for Visiting Fez Tanneries and Having a Comfortable Experience
Timing: Best Time to Visit
It’s recommended to visit Fez tanneries in the early morning (between 8-10 AM) for several important reasons:
- The dyeing process is at its peak in the morning, meaning more vibrant colors and greater activity
- The smell is less intense in the cool morning air
- Natural morning lighting shows colors better
- Workers are at maximum activity, making the scene more lively
- Crowds are smaller compared to later hours of the day
Managing the Smell (Use Mint)
To comfortably manage the smell of Fez tanneries:
- Take advantage of the mint sprig offered by shops
- Bring a small handkerchief or tissue to cover your nose if needed
- Breathe through your mouth rather than your nose initially until you get used to it
- Don’t worry – most visitors get accustomed to the smell within a few minutes
- Focus on the colors and beautiful view to distract your attention from the smell
Expect to Visit the Shop (No Purchase Pressure)
It’s important to know that you’ll be guided through the shop to reach the terrace. This is normal and expected, but:
- You’re not obligated to buy anything
- Browse products politely and with interest
- Ask questions about manufacturing methods and quality
- If you find something you like, don’t hesitate to ask about the price
- Be clear and honest if you’re not interested in purchasing
Wearing Appropriate Clothes and Shoes
To ensure your comfort during the visit:
- Avoid wearing your best clothes, as some odors might cling temporarily
- Choose comfortable closed shoes for walking in the medina’s alleys
- Wear easily washable clothes
- Consider bringing a light jacket you can remove after the visit
- Avoid very light colors that might show dirt
Photography
Photography is generally allowed from the terraces, but:
- Respect the workers: ask permission if you want to focus on a particular worker
- Take photos of the general scene and colors
- Avoid using flash which might disturb the workers
- Take photos from different angles to show the size and diversity of the tanneries
- Share your photos with friends to encourage them to visit
Expected visit duration: 20-40 minutes including viewing and browsing the shop.
Importance of Fez Tanneries: Industrial and Historical Heritage
Historical and Cultural Value
The Fez tanneries occupy a special place because they are:
Living Historical Site: Unlike museums and other monuments, these tanneries continue to function with the same methods used for centuries, making them a living museum of traditional industries.
Witness to Artisanal Heritage: The tanneries represent Fez’s ancient artisanal heritage and show skills passed down through generations without major change.
Symbol of Fes el-Bali: The tanneries have become a distinctive symbol of old Fez and an integral part of its visual and cultural identity.
Role in Moroccan Industry
The tanneries play an important role in:
- Leather Production Chain: as an essential link in producing high-quality Moroccan leather products
- Local Economy: providing employment opportunities for skilled artisans and workers
- Tourism: attracting thousands of visitors annually, supporting the city’s tourism economy
Part of World Heritage
The Fez tanneries are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fez medina, reflecting their global importance as a model of traditional industries preserving their authenticity.
Landmarks Near Fez Tanneries
Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and Attarine Madrasa
In the vicinity of the tanneries are some of Fez’s most important historical monuments:
Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque: The world’s oldest university, which can be visited on the same tour Attarine Madrasa: An architectural masterpiece showing Moroccan-Andalusian architectural art
Fez Souks (Especially Leather Souks)
The tanneries are located within the large souk area of Fes el-Bali:
- Leather Souk: where products made from tannery hides are sold
- Attarine Souk: for traditional perfumes and spices
- Nejjarine Souk: for traditional wooden products
This proximity makes visiting the tanneries a natural part of a comprehensive medina tour.
Conclusion: Fez Tanneries.. A Sensory Journey to the Heart of an Ancient Traditional Industry
Visiting Fez tanneries offers a unique sensory experience that combines challenge and beauty, authenticity and vitality. These tanneries that are among the oldest tanneries in the world still operating, represent a journey through time to the heart of an ancient traditional industry that hasn’t fundamentally changed through the centuries.
Despite the challenge posed by the smell of Fez tanneries, the vibrant colors, craftsmen’s skill, and immense historical value make this visit an unforgettable experience. The Chouara tanneries and other Fez tanneries offer a genuine window into authentic Moroccan heritage.
The traditional leather tanning process in Fez, the opportunity to buy high-quality leather products in Fez, and viewing Fez tanneries from elevated points – all of this makes the visit both educational and entertaining.
We advise you to be brave and visit the Fez tanneries, use the provided tips to manage the smell, enjoy the process and magnificent colors, and appreciate the skill of workers who preserve this living heritage. Share your experience with others and encourage them to discover this unique historical treasure.
Have you ever visited the Fez tanneries? Share your experience in the comments and tell us your impressions of this distinctive sensory experience!
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