A tannery is a place where animal skins are transformed into leather after passing through various stages. Traditionally, the term tannery refers to locations where skins are converted into durable and high-quality leathers by skilled tanners using natural materials like lime and specific plants. The phrase “passing the skin to the tannery” also refers to this process, where raw skins undergo multiple stages to become a usable product.
Fez: An Ancient City and Cultural Heritage
Fez (Fes el-Bali), the third-largest city in Morocco, has become one of the most important cultural and historical centers in the country while preserving its ancient authenticity and traditions. The city is globally famous for its old workshops and tanneries, where leather products are produced using traditional methods. The tanneries of Fez, known as “Chouara,” have been the main leather production center in Morocco since the Middle Ages and continue to produce unique and high-quality leathers using ancient techniques and natural materials.
Leather Production Process in the Tanneries of Fez: A Blend of Art and Skill
The tanning process in Fez’s tanneries, especially the Chouara tannery, is carried out entirely using traditional methods, passed down through generations. In this place, animal skins, brought from farms and butcher shops, are immersed in large stone vats after “passing the skin to the tannery.” These vats contain materials like salt, urea, and water that help remove the remaining fat and hair from the skins. This stage is the first step in the leather production process, preparing the skins for subsequent stages.
One of the fascinating aspects of this process is the softening of the skins by tanners using their bare feet, making the leather more flexible and soft. After this, the skins are transferred to dyeing vats and colored with natural dyes such as poppy flower, indigo, henna, and saffron. These traditional methods result in Fez leather being among the most durable and beautiful leathers in the world.
The Tanneries of Fez: An Attraction for Tourists
Today, the traditional tanneries of Fez are recognized not only as production centers but also as one of Morocco’s main tourist attractions. Tourists from all over the world travel to this city to witness the traditional leather-making process up close. The colorful sight of the dyeing vats and the unique smell of the tanneries offer a one-of-a-kind experience for every visitor. The terraces overlooking Fez’s tanneries provide the best views for observing this process and watching the tanners at work under the warm sun.
The Economic and Cultural Impact of Fez’s Tanneries
The traditional tanneries of Fez, besides their cultural significance, play a crucial role in the local economy. These tanneries are the main source of income for many local families, and the leather industry is one of the economic pillars of this city. Moreover, tourists who visit this city contribute to the prosperity of leather production, wholesale, and distribution by purchasing leather products and visiting the tanneries, thus aiding in the development of tourism and the regional economy.
The traditional tanneries of Fez, as a symbol of Morocco’s ancient art and culture, have managed to secure a special place in both the leather industry and tourism. Visiting these tanneries and witnessing the traditional tanning process not only allows tourists to experience the history and culture of Morocco up close but also introduces them to one of the oldest and most authentic industries in the world.
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