Tannery

Today's exploration led us through the
"Closed" Souk (Market) to the Chouara Tannery. It's Friday so the markets are supposed to be closed. And they are, for the most part, after 2pm. But some shrewd vendors know the tourists will shop on a Friday, so a few shops were open. I prefer this lesser-crowded vibe of the souk. The narrow streets get to be pretty cramped on a regular day.


Down in the heart of the souk is the Chouara Tannery. From the top floor balcony of the shop, we looked out over the field of emmense vats. Some vats contain quicklime, salt, or pigeon poop (yes, that's what I said - pigeon poop - it's collected by locals in their rooftop coups and brought to the tannery). These are used to clean and prepare the hides - camel, cow, sheep, or goat. Other vats contain only natural dyes, used to colour the hides made from poppy flowers, tumeric, indigo, saffron, etc.




It was fascinating (and a little aromatic, thanks to the pigeon poop), to see this tradional, authentic operation. 

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