The Risks Of Keeping The World’s Oldest Leather Tannery Alive | Still Standing | Business Insider 

I'm a leather craftsman, I'm sure his leathers are beautiful and it's amazing he puts so much love and work into them, but it's not worth the risk to your health. He said he hopes conditions are better for the next generation. They already are, dozens of tanneries in the world produce pure vegetable tanned leather just like him, even with more consistency and they're not risking anyone's health. I appreciate how much he loves this, but this is one aspect of the leather world that I'm glad technology was able to clean up. I hope to use one of his hides one day and visit his tannery, I love his dedication and wish him the best.

This is wild! I actually visited Fez in 2019 & toured this tannery. I bought my Mom a small handbag & myself an awesome wallet from Mr. Mohammad’s shop. The I still carry that same wallet to this day and to be honest it’s just now at that stage of “perfect broken in feeling” so idk if the cow urine, pigeon droppings, lime, and the other crazy stuff they use at the tannery actually makes a difference versus the vegetable tanning procedures but I know my wallet has stood the test of time so far. I run my family’s dairy farm so it’s not like it has an easy life and never gets dirty or anything. If you’re ever in Fez I highly recommend visiting the tannery because it truly is a site to behold & is almost like traveling back in time when you’re walking through the narrow walkways in the market square. Almost like in old Jerusalem if you’ve ever been there. Everyone is extremely kind to tourists and while you will run into scam artists just about everywhere in the world I have found that that’s less likely to happen in Muslim countries. Idk how many times I had to “debate” with a food vendor about letting me pay for my own food bc they will INSIST that there is NO CHARGE they will cover it. The same goes for chai vendors as well. If you ever do visit Fez & make it to the tannery Mr. Mohammad’s shop is right there & he is extremely nice, he will go above & beyond to make sure you get what you want and if he doesn’t have it made already then he will ask you how long you’re staying and he will finish it before you leave Fez regardless of wether it’s 1 day or longer. I got to choose what animal leather I wanted for my wallet as well as the color, style(I got a minimalist front pocket style) & you can have logos or letters stamped into it as well so I had my initials stamped on it & also had Mr. Mohammad put his name on it as well since he was such a kind person I wanted to remember my trip whenever I looked at my wallet. It’s just crazy I was scrolling through RU-vid & happened to see this video on my recommended page!!!

"Carrying a bag is like carrying 10 centuries of culture in your hand" Wow

You can see his pride for their craft. He is passionate about his work and continues to do so at the risk of his health. I just hope he/they would be able to find a way to continue doing it traditionally without the risks.

Now I want a full documentary on this guy's business, this episode was great

Works in a deadly tannery for 30 years, looks better and healthier than any office worker with 5 years in the job. 😁

I know how much people pride themselves with preserving old crafts and traditions, but I wish he could at least make his job a little safer. Even if you're dedicated to your work, getting health issues is something nobody wants to deal with. Traditional methods become obsolete at times because they posed a much larger risk than modern methods, if this job is so hazardous it would be nice if he could try to improvise certain things to ensure that he's safe

I have lived in Morocco for almost a year and there was not a single day I didn’t enjoy being there. Beautiful country, amazing people and very rich in culture and history. I am dying to make another trip down there. Je t’aime Maroc ❤️

We should support him by buying more number of leathery items, so that we can improve his economic conditions...lots of respect from 🇮🇳 India 🙏

I’ve just visited this leather tannery in Fes and they indeed take a lot of pride in their work. While visiting I have developed a deep appreciation for what they do on a daily basis. It does have a deterring smell once you are standing on one of the patios overlooking the pools of various chemicals. However, Itwas nevertheless a great experience because it gave me a glimpse of what life was like ten centuries ago. Furthermore I’d made me appreciate traditional craftsmanship even more. I just hope they find a way to make their job safer and less labor intensive in the near future in which they still preserve their heritage and culture.

Hopefully someday soon I’ll go there & support him by buying some of his leathery items I want them raw I appreciate his job more after watching this so thanks for showcasing beautiful & rare crafts as always!

As a Moroccan, what this man said was so profound, that translating it could not be accurate! One of the wonders of the Arabic language! Beautiful video, thank you so much for bringing this some attention! I always LOVE the smell of real leather, and Fez is the HQ of leather lol

I have MASSIVE respect for people like him truly an amazing craftsmanship/dedication, nothing but respect to this man!

All I can say is that his attitude and love for his craft is truly inspiring

Big ups to this guy for keeping his craft alive, and for striving through the extreme hard work it takes to do what he does. Takes a different kind of human to do so.

My husband hasn't been back to his beloved home country of Morocco for over 10 years. There isn't a day that passes that goes without him mentioning Morocco. I have received beautiful treasures from Morocco from my mother and sister in law.💕

Much respect to these craftsmen. You can see the passion in their eyes and that inner fire that just keeps them going.

A few years back now my son-in-law was working on a construction site which, around 1000 years ago, used to be a tannery. The stench was still there and the chemicals in the soils caused skin reactions on many of the workers, my son-in-law still suffers today. The stuff used in these traditional methods is lethal (and there is a good reason why tanneries USED to be located away from built up areas) and still hangs around in the local environment a thousand years later. Not good.

The span of 1000 years... mesmerizes me

As a student of leather and footwear engineering , I feel so connected to this person .

As much as I admire his dedications and hard work, some traditions are meant to die off with their forefathers, especially one as health hazardous as his tanning technique. One has to appreciate his father for trying to turn him away from the craft.

The respect of his son greeting him and kissing his hands is truly awesome 👏 wishing the chemicals could be changed to less toxic. And these crafts men get their proper fitting gears to protect themselves.

it is so nice to see someone proud of their work and excited to see the art made with it sharing his culture and hard work with others

I was very fortunate to visit Fez and see them create these beautiful crafts.

The pride in this man's face when he said you're buying the culture... just beautiful

I have great respect for Adil. You are truly an artist and a craftsman, my friend! You make very beautiful leather that I'd be proud to use in my shop. And it is true, as you said, someone carrying that bag is carrying 10 centuries of culture in their hands. Bravo!

What a wonderful man, I wish the best for him, his family and all his fellow workers. Peace and prosperity, God willing.

My full and deepest respect for these people.

Huge respect for their craftsmanship... 🖤🖤🖤

You can tell by his arms how much hard work it is.

I worked in the last raw-hide tannery in the US (Maine). I notice the same root techniques being used (excluding cow urine and hydraulics). It's incredible to see someone doing it for 30 years.

Not hard to see why this industry was modernized.

Wow thank you business insider for shining a light onto amazing craftsmanship. I hope to visit Morocco and will definitely buy from them to support their business

That’s one hard working man who’s passionate about his work! Hard to find his ilk in today’s world with everyone in the race to make quick bucks… also, his positive attitude is contagious, you have my respect brother Adil, Godspeed!

This man reminds of my father. Very hard workers and very motivated. Does the hardest job just to feed us. I love you dad.

Most people can hardly ever appreciate what so many other people go through to provide the things that we have become so accustomed to having. We take pride in owning exquisite pieces of jewelry, leather coats and hand crafted wallets, women who own those Louis Vuitton bags (originals), or fancy belts and shoes. Yet I wonder how many of us really appreciate your hard work? And especially us Americans who are so much more wealthy than most of the rest of the world's wealthiest people, who should be the most appreciative, but most often are the least. It's actually very shameful how so many of us take so much for granted. I wish them the best, and would love to hear that their business is thriving. Unfortunately, I know that modernization also makes it difficult for the workers in the traditional methods to compete with. But some people who do appreciate the quality and minor imperfections associated with the traditional methods are still around, and it's us who keep your business surviving, albeit no longer thriving. Thank you for sharing your trade secrets and the difficulties that you endure to keep your family business running.

I respect this craftsmanship and optimism! I hope he stays well and passes on his skills to the next generation!

As a Moroccan, I'm very proud of our heritage and culture 🇲🇦 Amazing and passionate craftsmen !! God bless all of them 🙏 💚🇲🇦 ⵜⴰⴳⵍⴷⵉⵜ ⵏ ⵍⵎⵖⵔⵉⴱ 🇲🇦 المملكة المغربية 🇲🇦💚

Thank you for posting. These hardworking gentlemen possess extraordinary technical abilities that are the result of many years in the industry. They are true professionals who are dedicated to maintaining the traditional processes. May God bless all of them and keep them safe from harm.

I had the pleasure of playing a three stringed instrument hand made in Morocco. The resonator gourd was half covered with goat skin probably bought from one of these places. So neat!

Positive energy illuminate from this happy fella. I hope his business turn better profit for him.

Amazing story on this. Well done!

Amazing indeed!!!!! What a great sacrifice Adil does to keep tradition and cultur🙏🏽🙏🏽🤝🏾🤝🏾🤝🏾

Amazing content , this is what should have millions of views.

I'm a craftswoman myself (I make mainly accoutrements like lace, dorset buttons, woven trim, lace knitted bags, etc) and I'm reliant on people going "What's that!? Can I have some!? Can I do that?!" and I also rely on fine quality supplies done the Old ways. These ways need to continue, so that people like me can also keep using the supplies. This whole industry relies on hardworking men like him.

This was amazing. The amount of hard work, art and passion that goes to this work is unbelievable. These people deserve to be paid well for what they do. Selling their products online would be a great way to enhance their business.

Mr. Adil's passion is amazing.

huge respect to these very hard working guys for keeping their culture and traditions.

such beautiful craftsmanship. hope i can visit Morocco soon. it's been one of the countries I've been wanting to visit for a long time.

I hope he got paid well for this! Loved watching this. Beautiful culture.

This man inspires . Great story . Thank you

the efforts of making this video is beautiful

As leather craftsman,i really appreciate his work

Inspiring! When I visit Morocco, I will make sure to spend money on the original piece.

WOW! Bless these hard working craftsman

There is always something fascinating about a man and his passion

While I appreciate the historical significance of it, I feel like there are better ways to make leather, with less risk to yourself... Just because something is made the old-fashioned way doesn't automatically make it better than modern methods. The reason why technology and methods kept improving was precisely because people wanted to improve their work, their efficiency and conditions. Most jobs nowadays are a lot safer than what they used to be many decades (and even centuries) back. I sympathize with this man and his passion for this work, but there's a reason why people moved on from these particular methods...

Nothing but RESPECT to these people. Absolutely loved this 🤍🤍🤍

The smell on the outcome product is irresistible, that smell of leather never die, so unique that you can't find in leather produced in the modern machines, also the quality is super high, silky and very flexible.

I can tell how proud Adil of his culture and tradition that's why even if his job includes hazards, he still finds joy doing it.

Amazing that people like him are still keeping a way of life alive for over a thousand years. People who have this level of pride in their culture and way of life have so much to teach the rest of us. Modernization is definitely killing off the incredible cultures of the world

He has the feeling that things will get better.The glass is half full for him.I wish him well.

Those handbags were absolutely stunning!

Thank you for this short but remarquable video

I used to live in Morocco and yes the tannery does smell, especially in summer!

This is a very talented man who deserves the upmost of respect. Thank you for all your hard work. I wish him the best and pray for change because it's trades like this that help us learn and appreciate artisanship.

I love this channel for being the telescope of these guys

ii live in rabat and i really appreciate the work of these guys they made perfect handbags and leather bags

Oh man. Seeing them bend their backs like that for lifting the leather and for scraping makes it quite obvious why his back hurts.

What an Awe inspiring man. Respect

A man with a full of energy ..

So interesting, thank you for sharing

Home boy is over here talking about "I want conditions to improve for future generations". THEY LITERALLY ALREADY HAVE FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS

That doesn’t do justice 1000-year-old Tannery Can we get a 10 minute video come on we need a full documentary on this guy and his business

He would be the only one with the passion & drive to change the industry. He is a voice for all in the business.

His pride and love for his craft makes me feel like I'm watching a Rolls-Royce car assembly video. Great man.

I'VE BEEN SEEING POST EVERYWHERE ABOUT FOREX TRADING AND CRYPTO CURRENCY, A LOT OF PEOPLE KEEP SAYING THINGS ABOUT THIS TRADING PLATFORMS PLEASE CAN SOMEONE LINK ME TO SOMEBODY WHO CAN PUT ME THROUGH...?

The Kingdom of Morocco ❤❤

tbh listening to Adil, i learnt more than just tannery. his thinking and believes is respectable.

Respect the owner and the workforce people who are hardworking for this kind of job.

I knew tanning was a tough job. Some others in this series I didn't quite know.

Those guys are ROCKS, tanning is one of the nastiest jobs you can do, let alone doing it the old-school way.

I've quit on leather products but this is beautiful!!

God bless him and everyone who practice ancient skills

I love it

This is one of those situations where you have to wonder if it's for the best to let old practices die off... I don't know why "modern" practices are always seen as less-than compared to tradition. I would rather get my leather products from a machine than from a man who will get cancer to make my new shoes.

Nothing but respect for the craftsmen and women that keep these age old traditions going. I hope safer methods of production can be implemented for future generations.

Harsh world, but a beautiful culture and people who take deep pride in their ancient craftsmanship. I hope they can continue the tradition in a way that puts the craftsman at less risk. Blessings too them.

The sheepskin company I work for changed the compounds they used last century, and now the tannery section hardly smells at all. The dangerous compounds used are minimal, and less harmful. We have more machines, yes, but you can do things more safely by hand too. We’re chrome-free, and our skins are safely biodegradable.

As much as I am for tradition, processes need to adapt. Especially if you can make an equally good product without the health problems. Magnificent bags.

Cool I need a reddish brownish tan, that's just right (not too brown, not too red, nor too yellow). God bless.

What incredible people. Lovely work and culture.

We are also doing this kind of work in Agra India. Initially I thought that We are only doing this but now i found another. It feel me proud😀

Adil what a cool dude.

I need a way to support him and improving his work conditions plus a follow up on how he is doing. This episode needs a part 2 asap!

fes is the city of history and lot of people dont know about it .they know only about marrakech. fes everything there is hand made from copper to zellij ceramic cloth ...list is too long the city has more than 9600 alleyways the biggest city in the world with no cars only pedestrians it's like labyrinth . the oldest university in the world founded their in fez and many historical moniments .i wish people visit the city its very beautiful

There is a famous greek short story from D. Hatzis, named "Sioulas o Tampakos", and it deals about a traditional tanner community in Ioannina at the beginning of the 20th century. The tanners start off as proud, making good money and a bit arrogant, then fail to modernize and compete with new technology and so the inevitable decline and obsolescence begins.

This is incredible. living history. I have so much respect. I am surprised to see that scraping step. I have seen some of the way skins are tanned by Indigenous folks in the Americas and Ive always seen the skins stretched on a frame or otherwise held up for scraping, I cant imagine how a back could bend the way he is doing for years and years. wow. he must truly love it to continue.

Love this series.

Love to Morrocco 💪🙏✌❤