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All Morocco Fez Chouara Leather Tannery

Chouara Leather Tannery

Traditional 11th-century outdoor tannery.

Fez, Morocco

Added By
Nev Dzamonja
Chouara Leather Tannery   Getty Images / NurPhoto
Chouara Leather Tannery   Getty Images / Valery Sharifulin
Chouara Leather Tannery   Getty Images / AGF
  enis / Atlas Obscura User
  enis / Atlas Obscura User
Chouara Tannery is one of the three tanneries in the city of Fez.   Marian Makapix / Atlas Obscura User
Built in the 11th century, it is the largest tannery in the city.   Marian Makapix / Atlas Obscura User
  User submitted
  dzamonja / Atlas Obscura User
  dzamonja / Atlas Obscura User
By Dr Chris Stout   drchrisstout / Atlas Obscura User
By Dr Chris Stout   drchrisstout / Atlas Obscura User
By Dr Chris Stout   drchrisstout / Atlas Obscura User
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In the tanneries of Chouara, animal hides are prepared the old fashioned way: soaked in limestone vats of pigeon poop and donkey urine, hand/foot-beaten to a pulp and colored with all-natural dyes.

The yellow leather dyed with saffron is considered the most valued and is traditionally used to make pointy-toed slippers called babouche.

It should be noted that smell is not for the weak of stomach, so it's best to accept the sprigs of mint offered at the door before taking in the sights.

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Added By

dzamonja

Edited By

Max Cortesi, enis, drchrisstout, Michelle Cassidy...

Published

October 12, 2010

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