Interview 7 – A Family Tradition

Tell me about your background

I was born in Fez. My name is Mohcine. I joined the tanning craft through my father. Our family has worked in tanning for generations, from father to grandfather. We learned the trade as children. Now, I have three sons, and we continue the tradition. I have been fully practising this craft for 40 years

Can you tell me about your job?

This tannery preserves a historical method: we start and end our work with prayers, and we still use entirely natural materials. That’s why this is considered traditional Moroccan tanning

We learned and practised the craft since childhood, both at home and at school. Over the years, we preserved all the traditional steps, from soaking and washing the hides to treating and colouring them. Everything is done using natural Moroccan materials

We receive hides from all over Morocco, especially from Fez. Each hide goes through multiple stages: soaking, washing, and cooking, sometimes repeated several times to ensure the quality. We handle each hide carefully with natural treatments, maintaining the traditional Moroccan methods.

When the monipol bursts during treatment, we must carefully manage the hide, or the leather could be ruined. It requires skill and attention

We stretch and dry the hides, and prepare them for sale. This completes the process, ensuring the leather is ready and high-quality

What are the main concerns about your job?

It’s demanding and requires patience, skill, and knowledge. It’s not just a job; it’s a family tradition. We focus on quality and precision, not shortcuts

Can you discuss about the formalisation of the economy?

We want to develop the craft while preserving its traditional methods. Very few people practice this today, so it’s important to maintain the heritage but also to adapt and evolve where possible

Tourism brings visitors to the tannery. They watch the process, take photos, and often buy products. This helps sustain the craft and supports our family

Can you explain how important water is to the craft and traditions?

The water we use comes from the local sources here in Fez. We have sufficient water for all our processes. There’s always enough water to perform the work properly.

Water is life. Everything we do in this craft depends on water, and as the Quran says, all living things are made from water. That’s why preserving water and the traditional methods is so important

Is a formalised job in the sector possible in Morocco?

It’s impossible to leave and work in agriculture. This craft requires specialised knowledge that can’t be replaced. Only someone trained over years in this tannery can handle it properly

This is my life. I dedicate myself fully to the tannery. I want to preserve it, develop it, and ensure it continues for future generations