Marrakech Tanneries:
A Colorful World of Tradition and Innovation

Marrakech is known for its vibrant colors, delicious cuisine, and bustling markets. But there is one aspect of the city that often goes unnoticed: the tanneries.

As you approach the tanneries, the smell of leather and dye is intense, and it’s hard to miss the tanners standing waist-deep in large vats of dye, stirring the skins with long wooden paddles. But what might surprise you even more is the sight of pigeons circling overhead, and the piles of pigeon feces lining the rooftops and ledges around the tanneries.

Believe it or not, pigeon feces is actually an important ingredient in the leather-making process. The ammonia in the feces helps to soften the leather and prepare it for dyeing. Before the skins are dyed, they are soaked in a mixture of water and pigeon feces, which helps to loosen the hair and other debris from the surface of the skin.

The leather is put in big piles for it to dry.
The leather is put in big piles for it to dry.

Once the skins have been soaked in the pigeon feces mixture, they are washed and then soaked in a lime and water solution to remove any remaining hair and flesh. From there, they are placed in a series of dye vats, where they are treated with natural dyes made from plants, spices, and other materials.

The end result is a beautiful and durable leather that is used to make a wide range of products, from bags and shoes to jackets and belts. And while the use of pigeon feces might seem strange or even unappetizing to some, it’s just one of the many innovative and sustainable practices used by the tanners of Marrakech.

But the tanneries are facing challenges as well. The intense competition from cheaper, mass-produced goods has made it difficult for them to keep up. And as tourism declines due to the pandemic, many of the workshops are struggling to stay afloat.

The men work from the sun goes up until the sun goes down.
The men work from the sun goes up until the sun goes down.

Despite these challenges, the tanneries remain an important part of Marrakech’s cultural heritage. They are a testament to the city’s rich history and traditions, and a reminder of the importance of preserving these traditions for future generations.

If you visit Marrakech, be sure to take a tour of the tanneries. It’s a unique and fascinating experience that will give you a deeper appreciation for the city’s culture and craftsmanship. And by supporting these traditional workshops, you’ll be helping to keep a vital part of Marrakech’s heritage alive.

The men have worked in the tanneries for decades.
The men have worked in the tanneries for decades.