Dyers' Souk (Souk el-Sebbaghine)

The Dyers' Souk (Souk el-Sebbaghine) is a lane in Fes el-Bali, in Morocco's Fès-Meknès region, where wool and silk are dyed in vats and hung to dry on the walls in brilliant colours. Skeins of red, yellow, blue and green hang from rails and balconies along the lane, creating one of the most colourful scenes in the medina. It lies inside the medina on the route between Place Seffarine and the tannery, so it is usually walked as part of a longer route. Entry is free, and the lane is open as a normal street. A visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Shops are open roughly 9am to 6pm and are quiet on Friday morning. Morning is the best time to see dyers at work and to photograph the hanging skeins in good light. Dyers will often pose for photographs for a few dirhams, and visitors should agree on the tip first. Some skeins are sold as scarves and weaving yarn, and prices are negotiable. The lane is narrow, and handcarts and porters pass frequently, so visitors should watch for warnings called out by carriers. Dye can drip from drying skeins, so light clothing is best avoided or kept clear of the hanging wool. Guided groups can crowd the lane at midday, so early visits are quieter. The scene is also a good place to see how colour is part of the working craft economy of Fes.