Morocco: The dyeing vats at Chouara are among the Fez (Fes) medina’s most iconic sights. There you see the ancient craft of tanning and dyeing in all its visceral authenticity (cow urine and pigeon poop are still key components in the process. this produces a stench so pungent that the tour guide will often supply sprigs of fresh mint to visitors).
Chouara has been around since the 11th century. The dyes used in the tannery pits are natural: Blue comes from indigo; red, from poppy or paprika; yellow, from saffron, pomegranate, or even a mix of turmeric and mimosa flowers