In response to “Where’s My Backpack” travel theme of “Industry.”
I took this picture at a leather tannery in Fez, Morocco.
In Fez, leather-making is done in pits that date back to the 11th century. There are three tanneries in Fez, this being the largest. Customers are given a sprig of mint to hold under their noses, in a vain attempt to mask the stench from the pits, where limestone, alum, and pigeon droppings full of ammonia are used in the process. After a brief orientation at the terraces overlooking the pits, customers are taken to the showroom, where the real show begins – negotiating for leather jackets, purses, slippers, ottomans, belts and more.
Oh Danny Boy! 
[…] Travel Theme:Industry | Oh Danny Boy! […]
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Great photo and description of the leather-making process. The way of life changes very slowly – some things not at all – out in those places. We saw similar sights in Tunisia and Egypt. Your post suits the challenge title so well.
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Thanks! I’ve been to Egypt but never experienced anything like Fez.
DJ
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Perfect photo for this challenge! Can’t believe this actually.
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Believe me I will never, never, forget that smell. THe mint leaves did not help that much.
DJ
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How interesting! Does the mint really help?
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Emphatically NO!
DJ
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