Leather Tanneries – Fez, a photo from Fes, North

Photographer's Note

I know leather tanneries are so common place here in the site at least to the older members,but for me is a spectacular one,to visit it someone,to see and enjoy this very old production way of leathers.

Traditional Moroccan Leather Tanneries – Fez

Within Moroccos’ artisanal economy leather is the country’s largest export to partners like Spain, France and India.and exports up to 100 million slippers annually. Much of the leather production is carried out in factories to keep up with export standards however Morocco's ancient tanneries are still very much in working execution. Fez, is the heart of where it all began centuries ago.

The city of Fez was founded in the 9th century and is now home to over one million people.In 1981 the Old Medina was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Old Medina is specifically home to three ancient leather tanneries, the largest being the Chouara Tannery, which has been washing, treating, smoothing, and coloring animal skins into soft, leather goods for over a thousand years.

The start of the tanning process begins with the collection and sorting of the raw animal skins. The types of animal skins used are sheep skin, goat skin, camel skin, and cow skin with the best quality leather coming from goat and camel skins. These skins are soaked for two to three days in large specialty vats that contain a mixture of cow urine, quicklime, water, and salt. This mixture will loosen excess fat, flesh, and hair that remain on the skins. Once the soaking duration is done, tanners then scrap away excess hair fibers and fat in order to prepare the skins for dyeing.

Copyright © - This photograph is an intellectual property of its author,and is strictly forbidden, the reproduction,modification, or exploitation for any way,thus is protected by the Law. The use or reproduction by any way without previous written authorization of the photographer is strictly prohibited.For more please contact: [email protected]

pajaran, Graal, papagolf21, maria-v1981, raszid62, pierrefonds, jacquest, Miguel82, krzychu30, ikeharel, PaulVDV, josepmarin, tedesse, s_lush, kato, jlbrthnn, amaryllis, ourania, adramad, bayno, Angshu, clic, thebest, mohammad_H, jhm, delpeoples, siolaw, dip, nikkitta, shevchenko, mirosu, adores, Vasa, macjake, jusninasirun, serp2000, mcmtanyel ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

pajaran (104803) 2013-02-10 23:11

Dobar dan.
Vrlo interesantan i dobar tekst sa datim podacima ...
Lep pogled na fabriku za obradu koze ...
Dobra ostrina snimka, kontrast, lepe boje.
Dobra kompozicija, lepo pokazano.
Lepo secanje.
Imajte lep dan, sve najbolje u novoj nedelji koja je pocela.
Srecno.
Paja.

Good day.
Very interesting and good text with a given data ...
Nice view of the factory for processing leather ...
Good image sharpness, contrast, beautiful color.
Good composition, nice revealed.
Nice memories.
Have a nice day, all the best in the new week that started.
Good luck.
Paja.

GiovanniG (3880) 2013-02-10 23:30

Hi Danos,
A very fine capture which is your wonderful way. Nicely composed with great color and clarity. Love your PoV and the way you have captured this ancient practice. Thanks for your narrative.
Warm regards,
GiovanniG

emka (153412) 2013-02-10 23:31

Hi Danos, The leather tanneries are fascinated spot. And as I remember, it is good that we only see it on photo and do not smell. Very impressive photo. Some people give the sense of scale.

WArm regrads

MAlgo

Graal (103040) 2013-02-10 23:44

Kalimera Danos,
interesting view and picture from famous place in Fez. Good POV, colours and composition. Nice photo from your archive. Also well note.
Have a nice day.
Aleksander

papagolf21 (152605) 2013-02-11 0:22

Bonjour, cher ami Danos,
Superbe vue plongeante sur la préparation des teintes.
L'on dirait une palette de couleurs utilisée par les peintres.
Sujet très intéressant et fort bien présenté.
J'applaudis.
Amitiés.
Philippe

geoant68 (331) 2013-02-11 1:09

Δάνο γεια σου,
πανοραμική η θεα των δερματοδεψείων που λειτουργούν με αυτή την παμπάλαιη μέθοδο και που έχει γίνει τουριστική ατραξιόν της πόλης της Fes,
Πέτρος

dkmurphys (78094) 2013-02-11 1:59

Hi Danos,
Spectacular colors of the workshop. I like the panorama, very well taken.

Daniel

maria-v1981 (10966) 2013-02-11 2:16

Καλησπέρα Δάνο,
Εντυπωσιακή εικόνα με τις γούβες γεμάτες χρώματα. Μοιάζει σαν έναν καμβά η μια παλέτα. Πολύ ενδιαφέρον σημειώσεις και δεν έχω ξαναδεί κάτι τέτοιο.
Καλή βδομάδα και καλη συνέχεια,
Μαρία

raszid62 (18457) 2013-02-11 2:26

Καλημέρα.
Πολύ ωραίο και ενδιαφέρον να δούμε παλιό, παραδοσιακό βυρσοδεψείο δέρμα στην αρχαία πόλη της Φεζ. Αλλά, όπως διάβασα κάπου, υπάρχει μια δυσοσμία εκεί απλά εκπληκτικό. Μεγάλη βολή σε άριστη ποιότητα.
Δικός σου.
Joseph

Fis2 (158077) 2013-02-11 2:38

Witaj Danos!
A very interesting place.
Curious POV and composition.
Superb natural colors.
Very impressive picture.
Have a nice day
Krzysztof

pierrefonds (105453) 2013-02-11 4:24

Hi Danos,

You have captured well the action at the tanneries. The point of view is showing the details and colors of the tanneries. The good luminosity is enhancing the colors. Have a nice day.

Pierre

jacquest (19251) 2013-02-11 4:29

Hello Danos,

The downard view allows to see tha various colors. The people in the image give an essential sense of perspective. The light gives good colors in an image of quality.

Best regards

Jacques

npecanhuk (79329) 2013-02-11 4:40

Hi Danos!
Certainly a unique and very interesting place!
An attractive picture!
Special regards to the chosen pov, composition, exposure and colors!
TFS,
Cheers,
Neyvan

mesutilgim (0) 2013-02-11 4:52

Hello dear Danos,
Very nice capture of those wonderfull tanneries in Fes.
On first instance one may think that it's the market stand of a spice seller, but if you look closer than you notice those tiny workers and getthe real message.
All over another perfect entry here et TE not only with perfect photographycal values but also with many interesting and usefull notes; which shall collect in the next days for shure many green smilies !!
TFS and best regards from rainy İstanbul
MESUT ILGIM

Miguel82 (47110) 2013-02-11 5:30

Danos,
An instructive picture showing a traditional activity
Your note is very interesting
Superb colors, light and pov
Have a good day

krzychu30 (15512) 2013-02-11 5:51

This is a real festival of different,vivid colors for us Danos!I´ve seen this place in TV and your presentation of it is superb.I like your POV from above,which enable us to watch the people at work.The image has outstanding clarity,delightful vivid colors and good contrast.Excelelntly done!

Have a nice day
Krzysztof

ikeharel (107009) 2013-02-11 7:00

Kalispera Danos,
Very intriguing pic., as to distinguish the various colors and tones use to dye garments and leather.
Clarity, and vivid tones made this view so attractive.
My cong.'s,
Ike

PaulVDV (56309) 2013-02-11 9:13

Hello Danos,
The sight is indeed impressive and spectacular.
Here the tannery has numerous stone vessels filled with a vivid red to dye the leather. These red vessels are absolute eye-catchers.
The workers give us a good idea of the right sizes.
Best regards, Paul

eldancer1 (36343) 2013-02-11 9:49

Very nice documentation of the daily life of people, I guess I've never seen a tanning leather set-up before. Good pov and dof with nice details. Wonderful colors. Well done, tfs.

josepmarin (59385) 2013-02-11 9:53

Hi Danos,
the high POV offers us a good and different vision over these famous leather tanneries, which we have seen in many photos.
You have caught a rich palette of colors and a beautiful game of light and shades on the ensemble.
Well done.
Best regards, my friend,
Josep

Silvio1953 (208443) 2013-02-11 10:35

Ciao Danos, great POV on fantastic place, splendid light, excellent clarity and wonderful colors, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

cornejo (61504) 2013-02-11 11:47

Hello Danos, excellent photo of this magnificent and interesting view of where the tanners stain skin. Lovely image very well composed, framed and captured, with very good sharpness and quality. Excellent and lovely job very well done, congratulations my friend. Thanks for sharing this beautiful work.

Good night and happy week.
All the best from southern Spain.
Angel.

No_One (4) 2013-02-11 12:06

Hi Danos,
This is a beautiful view. I know you say in your note that this is something we see a lot here on trekeart, but it's something I have never seen, so it's an extra special treat for me. The colour is really excellent, as is your great note. The scene seems to go on forever, and merge wonderfully into the buildings in the distance. Really excellent point of view to crest a very original shot. Thanks for sharing.
Noel

jmdias (105008) 2013-02-11 14:19

danos

very nice view of the place, anyway I didn't visit it because I was something afraid about false guides. very nice the shapes and colors and the way you presented the place for us. nice job.

hugs

jorge

tedesse (25147) 2013-02-11 15:27

Hello Danos!
Excellent POV and composition showing an interesting view of the famous places in Fez. Wonderful colors and good sharpness.
An interesting note on the processing of leather.
Yours sincerely
Tadeusz

elenimavrandoni (0) 2013-02-11 20:38

Δάνο, εχω 20 χρόνια να πάω στο Μαρόκο και η φωτογραφία σου μου θυμίζει την επίσκεψη στο παραδοσιακό αυτό μέρος στην Φέζ.
Εντυπωσιακή η επεξεργασία στο δέρμα και εντυπωσιακά τα χρώματα!Πολύ όμορφη φωτογραφία και σημείωση αφιερωμένη σε μία παμπάλαιη τέχνη πού δεν χάθηκε στον χρόνο!
καλη σου μέρα,
Ελένη

s_lush (16602) 2013-02-11 22:11

Hello Danos,
This old leather tannery looks just like a palette of paints of a gigantic painter. A highly aesthetic composition, beautiful colors, very picturesque and unusual place, interesting technology and perfect quality of the picture!
Best regards,
Sergiy

abmdsudi (90095) 2013-02-11 22:52

Hi Danos
A delightful shot from this famous spot full of vibrancy in brilliant light and rich colors tone. Smartly cropped emphasizing great details on the main subjects, well taken from good choice of pov. But I beleive you have to bear with smell !! I remember so vividly taken from same spot like yours but yet to lupload my version taken ten years ago. Well done shot, Congrats
Kind regards

kato (11630) 2013-02-12 0:02

Hello Danos,

You're capturing well this factory of Leather Tanneries by a good angle and excellent tone/clarity, so it's interesting and impressive to see the process making Leather Tanneries. It's impressive in the big receptacle which stores raw materials, such as a goat and a camel and the big barrel for dyeing. Primary color dye, such as red, brown, and gray, is skillful to eyes. Traditional merit is given although it is a traditional production process.

Kind regards,
mikio

boa (8039) 2013-02-12 2:30

Hi Danos,
i have also heard about the leather tanneries in Morocco even if i have not seen them in person but i bought a leather jacket when i was here for many years ago. Interesting to see this industry. You have chosen a good spot for this shot where we have an excellent overview. Interesting to see the surrounding buildings and the eye-catching red colors, well done!
Have a nice day.
Boa

jlbrthnn (76041) 2013-02-12 3:47

Hello Danos,
Very nice picture of this famous place. Looks like a painter's palette with colors and ponds. The view and the quality are excellent. Bravo.
Have a nice day
Best regards
Joël

ourania (51103) 2013-02-12 9:17

Καλησπέρα Δάνο,
το στενό καδράρισμα και η ένταση των χρωμάτων και των αντιθέσεων κάνουν αυτή την εικόνα συναρπαστική ως προς τις λεπτομέρειες και την ατμόσφαιρά της. Το βάθος και η ευκρίνεια είναι θαυμάσια και μας επιτρέπουν να εξερευνήσουμε το χώρο προσεκτικά και να απορροφηθούμε από την αφήγηση των χρωμάτων. Οι άνθρωποι μας δίνουν την αίσθηση της κλίμακας του χώρου και εξηγούν τη δομή του. Συγχαρητήρια και ευχαριστώ!
Να είσαι καλά, καλό βράδυ,
Ουρανία

adramad (68142) 2013-02-12 13:07

Hello damages.
Perhaps the most famous and photographed image of Fez, but no less captivating, especially Europeans, remember this terrace where we take all the tourists to see the famous large vats for skin treatment.
Superb sharpness and brightness to show the pretty colorful.
Well done.
Have a nice day.
Best regards,
Luis.

fabbs99 (17179) 2013-02-12 20:57

Hello Danos,

Quite a colorful shot of this industrial unit.The barrels filled colorful chemicals also indicate the kind of colorful leathers are goint to be produced.Very well done.TFS.

Cheers
Farhat

bayno (18348) 2013-02-13 2:05

Ciao Danos,
i know very well this place and also the strong smale that is there...impressive shot taken from a good POV and well framed...nice job...so many colors...
Valter

Angshu (56760) 2013-02-13 4:11

Hello Danos!
The famous picture location from fes...the tannery with the many colours in the vats. Nice picture from the high POV with good graphic effect of the vats. Nice close crop as well for this well done picture!
Regards
Angshu

Janusz1974 (795) 2013-02-13 9:41

Hi Danos,
Amazing picture from Fes, with excellent details.
Excellent perspective on the place.
I like the graphisme, the colors. And it is more beautiful without the smell.
Best regards
Janusz

clic (24150) 2013-02-13 12:29

Geia sou Danos
It is a wonderful colors gathering seem from a high angle to show the best of the artisanal tannery.
Stunning to see employees walking on vats borders; wish them not to fall in mixtures!!
I bet you didn't stay very long up-there after taking the picture!!
Se xereto.
Robert

jcpix (14030) 2013-02-13 15:49

Hi Danos,

What a great shot over the "factory floor," this gives quite a good look at the scope of this tannery. I've seen these featured on many travel shows and always found it very interesting. I really like the collage of rustic colors and the many spherical and block shapes within this framework. It's no wonder you've received so many good comments...well done!

Cheers,

Jason

UlfE (14641) 2013-02-14 11:36

Hi Danos,

Excellent photo and interesting daily scene life. Taking a closer look at it you realize that there is a number of people involved in diffent activities in the photo. I would have loved to see a larger size photo. I really great capture. TFS and have a nice evening!

Kind regards,

Ulf

kasianowak (16094) 2013-02-14 11:46

Wow! One of the best images of Moroccan tanneries I have ever seen. Brilliant composition with fantastic colourful pattern in the foreground.
Best wishes
Kasia

jemaflor (137342) 2013-02-14 12:19

Hi Danos,
Good pov, good light and sharpness, pleasant to see without the strong flavor of this place ...

fabianoleite (13575) 2013-02-14 16:18

Interesting cultural detail of the craft, with good colors and insteresting instruments. Nice work, congratulations!

thebest (4276) 2013-02-14 16:39

Hi Danos,

What an incredibly interesting sight & your notes are so extensive - I have always wanted to visit Morocco.
I am blown away at the way the clay vats have been built - climbing upwards away from the houses it is so amazing to see - the people working in - on & around the vats give us a sense of perspective as to just how big this operation is.
I like the rich coloured earthy dyes & the rest of the content of your image is fantastic.
Thank you for sharing life in Fez.

Kindest regards,
Dawn.

Waylim (25436) 2013-02-14 23:16

Hi Danos,

Ah, I can smell it. Ah, what a terrible place to work and make a living. I been here and it is great to witness how the whole thing work. This is a great shot of the overal area. Perhaps I will post my one day. Excellent light with great colors.

Way

mohammad_H (10178) 2013-02-14 23:49

Hello dear friend
Very good information about the Skin and Leather
Good resolution, good brightness and contrast
Have a nice day and enjoy every moment of life.

jhm (205109) 2013-02-15 7:48

Hello Danos,

You know that these tanneries one of the most dangerous works in the world, very dangerous for lungs, happy these method is past.
I find this splendid that you took a nice picture.
An excellent composition, colors and sharpness make these picture attractive.
very well done, TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

delpeoples (60326) 2013-02-15 19:32

Kalimera dear Danos

I have seen many photos of this iconic place and this one is also excellent. The colours and textures are wonderful and I like how you framed this so tightly. nice work, thanks for sharing.

Warmest regards
Lisa

siudzi (34141) 2013-02-15 23:54

Hi Danos,
This place is quite well-know here at the TE site however your shot is still a great contribution. Well seen and presented view with so many interesting details and colors. Very well done.

Best,
Gosia

siolaw (38294) 2013-02-15 23:56

Geia sou Dano
A good POV on the tannerie with vivid strong colours and sharp too, even at 1/25s! We don't really miss the smell, better only see the photo!
Greetings
Laurent

TopGeo (38220) 2013-02-17 0:19

Καλημέρα Δανο
Πολύ όμορφο και εξαιρετικά ιδιαίτερο το σκηνικό
Πολλές χρωματικές και σχηματικές φόρμες εδωσαν μία ενδιαφέρουσα εικόνα που χαρίζει..
μπράβο
Χαιρετώ σας
Γεώργιος

dip (23892) 2013-02-17 2:15

Γεια σου Δάνο,
είδα κάποτε στην Γερμανική τηλεόραση ένα ντοκυμαντέρ για το πόσο ανθυγιεινό είναι το επάγγελμα της βυρσοδεψίας,παρ'όλα αυτά οι εικόνες από τα βυρσοδεψία είναι άκρως ενδιαφέρουσες για φωτογράφηση,
πολύ ωραία λήψη!
Δημήτρης.

nikkitta (17070) 2013-02-17 8:42

Hola Danos

Quite agree with you about the beauty of the tanneries with only one exception, the horrible smell

It doesn't matter is the subject is presented for some other people in TE, this is your capture, your moment of the day and your special and great POV
I am quite enjoying your Marroco captures
Greetings and TFS and congrats
Maria

Cricri (176) 2013-02-17 10:53

Hi Danos
Un lieu intéressant a voir, moins pour l'odeur!!
Bon POV plongeant, les couleurs, la lumière et la présentation excellente
Belle soirée
cricri

shevchenko (20560) 2013-02-17 19:23

Hi Danos,
Good bird view shot to show their working area, nice to see industry in traditional style, informative note to introduce the old city too, interesting composition, distinct photo, good shoot.
Ally

wolf38 (30) 2013-02-18 22:52

Hello Danos. Fes. I like to think back to the Tannerie. Here you can watch an old craft. The particular are of course the various colors. The view from the top of the area is ideal. Informative text.
Rgds wolfgang.

mirosu (16313) 2013-02-19 2:13

Hi Danos,
Great view down to the colorful leather tanneries. I never saw it but it must be interesting. Looks like a very nice abstract photo. Well done.

adores (46979) 2013-02-20 18:39

Hi Danos!
A very good pov! The wide angle really gives a good idea of the place. It's really unique, surrounded by the old buildings! - I like the pattern it forms and the colours. The presence of the people give much life to the place.

mkamionka (63406) 2013-02-24 8:44

Hi Danos,
indeed I remember a similar place from photos on TE. The wells provide a very attractive repeated element and so colorful! Great POV from above allowing a nice wide view. People present in there make good scale markers.
Excellent work!
M

gus72 (3719) 2013-03-01 23:09

Hi Danos !!
I have seen this photo before in a book that I have from Fez ..... I believe that the tanneries generate a lot of foul smell.
As to your photo..... vibrant colours and very sharp details. Perfect POV.
Interesting and a novelty for most of the TE members.
Have a nice week end.
Cheers
Gus

Vasa (515) 2013-03-04 16:38

You are on the wonderful place, Danos. The photo is the real inspiration to follow your feet, friend. Many thanks,

Branko

macjake (96579) 2013-03-06 15:53

Hi Danos
yes, i really really like this one.
If and when I ever get the opportunity to come here, this is for sure a place to see in person.
from your photo we get an excellent overview including some of the architecture too.
one of my favorite photo's of the day :)
cheers
Craig

i9l2y1m8a8t3 (4814) 2013-03-06 19:13

wonderful! Great note great capture! Love the colors, the vibrance and the patterns and shapes that this scene creates. Nice POV too! TFS! wish i could visit this place someday!

best regards,
Matt

jusninasirun (17529) 2013-03-08 17:01

Hello Danos.
I like those pots with bright colored dyes for the tanning process being captured here. Lovely light with dynamic graphism in this fine artistic framing.
Thanks and have a great weekend.
Jusni

maloutim (13617) 2013-03-24 13:55

Hi Danos,
Lovely graphic composition of the leather dyeing containers. Interesting inclusion of the workers who give a good idea of the sizes ! It must have been fascinating to watch them working in the open air. I wonder what happens to the dyes when it starts raining although that is not very often in those places I suppose.
Thanks for sharing and best regards.
Marie-Louise.

Urs (14082) 2013-03-29 18:17

Dear Danos

Morocco has a very special meaning for my wife and myself, it is the country we both fell in love with each other. Moreover we like the country very much, but living in Asia makes it almost impossible to revisit. There is no direct flight and it will be a very long one, I guess 15 or more hours. Thanks for brining back sweet memories, we also visited the Tanneries of Fez and still remember the special smell. Excellent POV and brilliant colour hues. well done

Warm regards
Urs

Bluejeans (64251) 2013-04-11 5:30

Ola Danos ,
Uma foto bem tradicional deste lugar bem conhecido nosso em Marrocos , o cheiro neste lugar dizem que é bastante forte , boas cores e luz , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

dale54 (17456) 2013-10-31 7:03

nice work danos,love the colors down below,and i like adding this guy at bottom right,and these people working away in the distance..wonderful scene. dale

berek (50518) 2016-04-19 22:57

Dear Danos,
An interesting place to see, at least for the smell ! Good point of view plunging, colors, light and excellent presentation. take care.
Greetings.
Burak

mcmtanyel (59370) 2016-11-19 17:14

Hello Danos,
The photo is interesting to look at with its colors and shapes, but I am glad the sense of smell is not affected by a photograph.
Cheers,
MT

Photo Information

Copyright: Danos kounenis (danos) (110407)
Genre: Lugares
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-11-03
Categories: Vida cotidiana, Eventos
Camera: Canon EOS 5 D, Canon Zoom EF 24-105mm 1:4mm L IS USM, HOYA Pro1 Digital 77mm MC UV
Exposición: f/11, 1/25 segundos
Versión de la foto: Versión original
Diario de viaje: Morroco 07
Date Submitted: 2013-02-10 22:42