Buying quality handicrafts in Fez, strange as it may seem, is not always easy. It is already known that this activity is one of the great tourist attractions of the city, but it is also easy to be taken for a ride. So, if you want some guidelines and suggestions to bring home a real piece of great value, take a look at the following lines.
What handicrafts to buy in Fez
Handicrafts, in general, are a driving force of the local economy in Fez. And it covers virtually all techniques made by hand or by conventional means. But there are some that, by tradition, are more numerous and interesting than others.
The most iconic is probably ceramics and its variants. This art had a great development in the Arab civilization (from whose language, by the way, comes the word tile). And Fez has always been one of its great centers of production of these pieces, made from fired clay and then glazed and decorated by hand. Not only can you find tiles and tiles, but also countless everyday objects, such as decorative plates, vases or the typical tajines.
Leather is also an iconic material of Fez, and it is no coincidence that this technique is called leatherwork. Well, the best tanners come from Fez where, as we shall see, this technique has developed and is still going strong. Belts, slippers, purses, backpacks and every conceivable item are among the products on offer.
The textile items are another unavoidable suggestion. In fact, the most famous cap of Moroccan clothing is called, precisely, fez, having emerged here in medieval times. Although you are likely to be mugged in the medina to take you to carpet stores, you can find pieces of great value if you are patient, even smaller ones, with special mention of trimmings and embroidery, even in gold thread.
Suggestions for buying quality handicrafts in Fez
Without wishing to advertise any establishment, we mention here several specific suggestions, which will guide you when buying quality handicrafts in Fez.
In relation to ceramics and its variants, one of the most prestigious producers is Art Naji, which has its own workshop on the outskirts of Fez, as well as a physical store at the foot of the medina. In their workshops, they also offer activities for participants to create their own ceramic articles, mainly tajines.
As far as leather is concerned, it is inevitable to mention the Chouwara district, the tanneries of the medina of Fez. It is true that it is a very touristy place and that its smell is a little less than nauseating, but it is still an authentic place that is still alive and well. Moreover, in recent years it has undergone renovations to improve the sanitary conditions of the place. In any case, in order to see the pools where the leather is dyed, you will have to enter one of the stores with a terrace overlooking the courtyard. And despite the bustle of tourists who come and go for mere curiosity, it can be said that the quality here is still very high, made with truly traditional methods.
And as a proposal for a local store where they sell varied items, with a modern touch fruit of new and young artisans who are established in the city, you can cite Medin Art, which also has a very active Instagram profile to publish their news.
Beyond these suggestions, you can rely on your intuition and check first-hand if the item in question is of genuine quality. You’ll have a better chance of doing so in two of the most iconic streets for handicraft shopping, such as Talaa Kebira and Talaa Seghira. And if you are looking for something in wood, the Nejjarine neighborhood, in the heart of the medina, is the main proposal, where you can even see the carpenters themselves working, for example, on cedar wood doors.
In any case, do not hesitate to ask for advice to the staff of our agency that will accompany you on the trip. We are sure that we will be able to give you more specific indications for your quality shopping in Fez.
