Videos tagged with "saffron"

Fez tanneries [01:13]
Morocco. Fez. Terrasse des Tanneurs One of the most interesting sites in Fez is the Leather Souq and the oldest leather tannery in the world. The tannery dates back at least nine centuries. When approaching the tannery the smell is the first suggestion that something different is about to appear. The smell drifts around the balcony from where all the activity can be viewed and is enough to put off the most enthusiastic of tourists. The stench is worth braving as the view over the balcony allows those watching to see a site that has not changed since the 11th century. The tannery is composed of numerous stone vessels filled with a vast range of dyes and various odorous liquids. The tannery processes the hides (skins) of sheep and goats, turning them into high quality leather products such as bags, coats, shoes, slippers and other similar products. This is all achieved manually, without the need for modern machinery. Men work in unbearably hot conditions (in the summer - 40 degrees and above). The tannery is a good example of mass production, a process that we often consider as being modern. The workers stand in the stone vessels arranged like honeycombs, filled with different dyes, dying the arms and legs of the men. The hides are first soaked in diluted acidic pigeon excrement and then transferred to other vessels containing vegetable dyes such as henna, saffron and mint. When the dying process has been completed the hides are dried on the roofs of the Medina.
Tags: lindadevolder, Canon, powershotsx30, geotagged, travel, Africa, Morocco, Maroc, al-Maġrib, المغرب العربي, Fes, Fez, handicraft, artesania, artisanat, handwerk, Chouwara tanneries, tanneries, leather

Saffron: Morocco's mystic spice [02:02]
The small town of Taliouine in southern Morocco is home to the country's largest saffron fields. In many countries saffron is revered as a mystical spice with religious connotations. Despite being known as one of the world's most expensive spices, farmers earn only a small profit from huge sales around the world. The production of one single kilogram of saffron comes from 150000 flowers. The delicate task for separating the stamen from the flower is predominantly done by women. Depending on the quality and quantity of saffron one gram can cost on average US$6.28. For centuries saffron has been cultivated in the region and valued for its rich flavor as well as healing qualities. The yellow spice is also used as a coloring agent to enhance fabric and food. Unique purple flowers cover the southern Moroccan fields which produce the stamens from where saffron is derived. Efforts are being made in Taliouine to ensure farmers get their fair share of the proceeds for cultivating the spice. Moroccan authorities are encouraging farmers to plant further saffron crocus flowers to increase the local economy through escalating exports which will bring extra profit back into the North African country. The local branch of the Department of Agriculture created the initiative to offer support to thousands of farmers. Free seeds, water and advice were provided to help farmers produce more. Ishmael El-Hamdi said the saffron grown in this area is highly rated because the soil and climate ...
Tags: Saffron, Morocco, Flower, Seeds, Purple, Farmers, Farm, Harvest, Taliouine, Field, Spice, Magical, Expensive, Cost, Stamen, yellow, colour, color, agent, food, Department of Agriculture, Nadia Idriss Mayen, Al Arabiya English

Moroccan spirit [06:58]
Morocco is a beautiful country .Located in Northwest Africa with Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. This country has become one of the major holiday destinations in the Mediterranean, an exotic location with extraordinary natural and cultural wealth. The landscape ranges from lush fields in the middle atlas to desert in the south. Many visitors are lured by the beauty and infinity of the desert, which is vast. Even in the middle of the countryside there is some stunning architecture. The cuisine of Morocco is a mix of Arab, Berber, French, Spanish, and Jewish traditions. if the visitors enjoy delicious spicy food, they will eat different dishes from region to another while traveling. They will smell the odor of saffron, ginger, and cinnamon mixed with dry fruit and meats, chicken, beef, and lamb are all favorites. visitors cannot visit morocco without eating the famous couscous dish.
Tags: Morocco

Global Treasures - Marrakesh - Morocco [09:32]
Marrakesh In 1062 ADthe Almovarides Dynasty founded the city of Marrakesh, known as, The Red Pearl. The colourful Spice Market is only one of several markets, otherwise known as souks where baskets brim over with ginger, saffron, caraway and coriander. The souks are divided into different areas and specialties including various craft workshops in which coppersmiths and potters offer their goods for sale. Even today the bazaars still display the age-old splendour of this important trading ...
Tags: Global, Treasures, Marrakesh, Morocco, souks, bazaars, Jemaa-El-Fna, Square, Africa, UNESCO, World, Heritage, Site