Fès: Part two... the Chouwara tanneries

If you visit Fès you surely wouldn't want to miss the tanneries. Even though its smells are tremendously strong, the tanneries are one of the city's most stunning sights. Either you try to find the way yourself into the leather district or you simply let you guide by someone... there are enough people who are willing to lead you there for a couple of dirhams.

The first time we entered the tanneries we honestly were a bit disgusted by the strong smell and the view how the leather is being tanned... But imagine: the method how to produce, tan and dye the leather hasn't been changed for centuries...

 

Just look at this man: how he stands knee-deep in the poisonous dyeing colour...

Working in a tannerie is said to be one of the most exhausting and hard works.

Here the yellow leather skins are exposed to the sun on straw for drying...