Fes al Bali Things to Do Tips by Waxbag

Discover the Souks

Ancient craftsmanship still thrives in Fez. The city’s souks have specialized craft zones where Maalems, or master artisans, can still be seen meticulously working their ancient art with their specialized tools and bare hands. If you allow yourself to meander through the maze of the medina you will stumble upon these artisans and their old world wares. Fassis are master salesmen. There are a few modern twists intermingled.

See video at Fez

Address: Fez, Morocco

The Chouara Tanneries of Fez

The most remarkable sight in Fez, if not Morocco, are the Chouara Tanneries. The Chouara Tanneries are the largest tanneries in Fez and one of the most striking sights in Morocco. It is run by only one family with around 125 members. Little has changed in the production of leather in these tanneries over the last 600 years. The animal skins of cow, sheep, or camel are put into a honeycomb of dried earthen pits where the skins soak in a white concoction of cow urine and pigeon dung for a week so the skins can be softened. After the skins are rinsed with a gigantic washing machine the hair can be scraped off. Then the skins are laid out on the roof tops to sun dry. The last step is to dye the skins in the colorful dying vats where workers tread on the skins to ensure the dye is evenly absorbed. Some Natural dyes are still used to treat some skins, poppy flower for red, indigo for blue, mint for green, and turmeric for yellow; although Chemical dyes are beginning to replace natural dyes to the detriment of the workers. The leather produce here is of very high quality but not necessarily cheap. Be prepared to pay several hundred dollars for a fine leather jacket. These guys certainly worked hard to make it.

See video of the tanneries in the video Fez

Address: Fez, Morocco

Madersa Bou Inania

Non muslims may not visit a mosque in Fez but they may visit theological colleges like the Madersa Bou Inania. This madera is an exquisite example of 14th century Merinid artisanship and architecture. The zellij glass tile, stucco work, and carved screens are some of the finest examples of artisanship in Morocco.

See the Madersa in the video Fez

Address: Fes, Morocco