Chouara Tannery

Fez

Feska Tannery owes its popularity to the leather production process, which has remained unchanged for centuries. Every day, the guild’s workers sweat and work hard to ensure the highest quality of their products, carefully treating the hides and soaking them in vats filled with dyes. The industry is still operated in the same way as in the early centuries and today is considered one of the main tourist attractions. The tanneries consist of round stone containers filled with dye or white liquids for softening. The leather goods produced in the tanneries are exported all over the world.

The Chouara tannery is one of three tanneries in the city of Fez, Morocco. Built in the 11th century, it is the largest tannery in the city. It is located in Fez el Bali, the oldest district of the city, near the Madrasa Saffarin, along the river.

The tannery is located in the center of the medina, north of the Bayn al-Mudun bridge. Finding it won’t be a big problem, though, because if you’re nearby, someone will 100% offer to guide you. It is impossible to do it yourself, as the workshop is closed and can only be seen from the roof of the buildings next to it. The entrance fee is 10 Dh and the guide will certainly offer to sell his products or explain the process of leather treatment. If the unpleasant smell from the ammonia tanks really bothers you, don’t worry – you can ask for a sprig of mint.