The colorful centuries-old wells in Fes, Morocco, continue to keep a tradition that goes back to the ancient times. The pits dug hundreds of years ago are tanneries where the skins are hammered, processed and dyed. These colorful leather tanneries are among the most famous places to visit in the country. Tanneries are also seen as international tourism centers that preserve the vegetable tanning method.
Those who come to visit the colorful leather tanning wells, which fascinate everyone who see it, are not brought too close to the wells. Mint branches are given to the visitors in order to suppress the intense smell in the tannery. These tanneries, dating back to the 11th century, have been working non-stop for thousands of years with natural methods. The skins in the tannery, which is the livelihood of many people; It is converted into products made from many leathers such as shoes and bags. It creates a painting-like image with the workers processing the skins in the colorful wells and the pieces of leather left to dry on the edges of the wells.
Fes, the second largest city in Morocco, is a city that still reflects its ancient past and adheres to its traditions. There are 4 antique tanneries in the city, where the traditional leather tanning craft is widespread. The largest of these tanneries is the ancient Chouara Tannery, unchanged since the 14th century. One of the tanneries in the region is the Shuwara Tannery, which is considered the oldest tannery in the Arab geography and dates back to the 11th century. The city of Fes was founded on the banks of the Fez River in 789. The city, which is the cultural and spiritual center of Morocco, also has the oldest university in the world.
Making the Tanning Process
Wide wells, mostly circular in a wide area, have become the symbol of the city of Fes. These tanneries, which have been operating for centuries, process leathers with the same methods, almost without any changes. The authenticity of the vegetable tanning method, which is being consumed in the world, is preserved as it was on the first day. The skins that have undergone many processes are generally composed of cow, camel, goat and sheep skins.
The skins are made usable by processing with substances obtained from plants and naturally. The natural materials used are generally olive oil, pigeon droppings, cow urine, pomegranate peel, saffron. These materials allow the leather to be cleaned, processed easily, dyed, and appear smooth and shiny. The selected and sorted leathers are kept in stone pools for 10 days to absorb the desired dyes. After the waiting period, the dyed leathers are purified by using materials such as lime. Then it is taken to the wells to be kept for tanning.
Natural dyes in the pits are changed every two weeks. While obtaining the colors; Poppy flower is used for red color, mint for green color, indigo for blue color, cheddar tree for brown color and saffron for yellow color. Workers working in the tannery often spend hours trying to soften the skin by chewing on the paint pits up to their waists under the hot sun. The products that are made ready as a result of intense efforts are of high quality. Tanneries are considered as training centers as well as production. People who want to learn how the process is done benefit from the training in the tannery. He even receives visits from different parts of the world for this training.
In addition to tanning leather in the city; Other crafts such as silver jewelry and ceramics are also made. Handicrafts are the main source of income for most families in the city. Due to the high level of tourism activity, handicrafts produced by the people have an important place in the economy. Thousands of people are employed in the traditional industry.
