私人皮革工坊探访

The tanneries at Bab Debbagh do the first, hard part of the work, and you will smell them before you see them. This visit goes to the second part, the atelier where cured hide becomes an object.

You watch a cutter lay a pattern on goatskin, working around the marks the animal left, then hand-stitch a seam with waxed thread and two needles pulling against each other. The master takes your foot measurement and cuts a pair of babouches while you wait. Bags, belts, and pouffes are made in the same room.

Two hours, standing. Ateliers close for Friday prayer between noon and three. What you commission is shipped, or ready the next day.