Morocco’s spiritual capital of Fes will host its first leather trade show from July 12-21, 2019. Visitors to Fes, Morocco will have an opportunity to learn about the Fassi leather process, meet talented local artisans, and discover how leather has been part of this spiritual city’s thriving industry since the 8th-Century.
The leather tradeshow will also introduce attendees to cooperatives, both small-medium size, and various companies, all who specialize in leather. In addition to 120 exhibition booths, the craft show will host leatherwork demonstrations, workshops, and round table discussions chaired by leather specialists. The event is hosted by co-collaborators Chambre of Artisans of the Fes-Meknes region and the Ministry of Tourism. The goal is to bring more attention to the artisans and city of Fes.
Fes was founded by Moulay Idriss II and is one of the largest, urban free contiguous cities in the world. It was an important city on the Trans-Saharan trade route and the history of leather making can be traced back to ancient times. Today Fes boasts three leather tanneries that attract travelers from around the world. The 11th century Chouara Tannery is the largest one. It is located in near the Saffarin Madrasa river in Fes el Bali, the oldest part of the medina. The leather process is a key part of the city’s economy. The Kingdom’s Ministry of Industry reported that over 21,000 Moroccans work in the leather industry.