Places such as Batha and Bab Boujloud are close to the medina but offer a slightly quieter atmosphere. You’ll find a mix of riads and mid-range hotels, providing easy access to both the medina and modern conveniences. Apparently, not much has changed in the tanning process since medieval times. The hides of different animals, including camels, cows and sheep are first soaked in a series of honeycombed vats, where a mixture of donkey urine, pigeon droppings, salt and other materials soften and rinse the otherwise stiff skins. In the next step, the processed hides are steeped in a dye solution, made entirely of natural ingredients. In fact, the red and blue hues come from poppy and indigo respectively, while the yellow color originates from either turmeric or saffron.
