© Angela Stefanoni · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons The Dyers' Souk
A short alley where wool and silk are still dyed and where the skeins hang to dry over the passage - the most photogenic of the small trade souks. Dyeing has receded a lot in favour of shops, and the vaults of coloured threads are sometimes hung for the picture. Still pretty, as long as you do not expect a full demonstration.
History & context
The dyers’ souk - Sebbaghine - is one of the most-photographed trade alleys in the medina. Wool and silk are dyed here in colour baths, and the skeins are then hung to dry over the passage, in bands that filter the light.
The activity has receded a lot. Shops have taken over from some of the workshops, and the vaults of coloured threads are sometimes hung for the picture first. The place is still pretty and short to see, as long as you do not expect a full demonstration of the craft.
A vault of coloured threads over the alley: photogenic, taken for what it is.
What to see - the highlights
The hung skeins
The bands of dyed wool and silk, stretched over the alley: the vault of colours that made the place's name.
Dyeing at work
When a workshop is running, the colour baths and the threads wrung by hand, hung to dry.
Scarves and wools
The shops sell skeins, silk scarves and dyed fabrics - a way to walk out with a colour.
When to go
The light comes down into the bay and lights the threads.
The skeins are not all hung yet.
Sheltered alley.
Visitor tips
In the middle of the day, when the light comes down the bay.
Expecting a full dyeing demonstration. The activity has receded.
- An emblematic shot, but you may be asked for a tip for the picture. Ask before.
- For a silk scarf, bargain and check the fabric. 'Silk' is often viscose.
- It is short. Combine with Souk Semmarine and Place Rahba Kedima, both close by.
Location & access
Inside the souk network, on the Mouassine side, a few alleys from Souk Semmarine. On foot only. Ask for 'Sebbaghine' or 'dyers' souk'.
