Traditional Fez leather tannery in the medina of Fes el Bali

Leather Craftsmanship Legacy in Morocco.

This video captures the traditional Fez leather tannery located in the heart of the medina of Fes el Bali, Morocco. The footage provides an overview of the tannery, showcasing a series of large, circular stone vats filled with various colored dyes and liquids. The vats are arranged in a compact, grid-like fashion, each section distinctly separated yet forming a cohesive unit. Surrounding the tannery are old, beige buildings with flat rooftops, some of which have workers moving about their tasks. The contrast of the vivid colors in the vats against the earthy tones of the buildings emphasizes the age-old leather processing techniques unique to this region. This clip offers a glimpse into the intricate and labor-intensive processes that sustain the traditional leather industry in Fez.

Drone Shot Shows Many Colored Stone Vats Like a Grid at Chouara Tannery.

This video was recorded in high resolution with top-tier cameras by experienced filmmakers, ensuring every detail is vividly captured. The footage is available in both 2160p 4K and 1080p HD resolutions, offering flexibility for various media uses. The shot is presented in landscape mode (16:9 aspect ratio) but is also available in vertical mode (9:16 aspect ratio) to accommodate smartphone screens and social media formats like Facebook, Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. The aerial view provides a detailed look at the intricate layout of the tannery, showcasing the vibrant colors and the traditional processes involved in leather tanning. This video is ideal for educational content, cultural documentaries, and promotional materials about traditional crafts.

The Fez leather tannery is one of the oldest and most iconic tanneries in the world, continuing a craft that dates back to the 9th century. The process begins with soaking the hides in vats filled with a mixture of water and pigeon droppings, which act as a natural softener. Following this, the hides are placed in vats containing natural dyes derived from plants and minerals, imparting rich, vibrant colors to the leather. Workers manually handle each hide, ensuring the dyes penetrate evenly. This traditional method is labor-intensive but results in high-quality leather known for its durability and unique texture. Preservation of this heritage craft involves maintaining the natural dyeing processes and promoting sustainable practices that support the artisans' livelihoods while preserving cultural traditions.