The Moroccan Babouches
Morocco is also known for its leather production: everywhere
in the markets, in the medinas and in souvenir shops, you will see a wide range
of leather products displayed. Furthermore, Moroccan leather is considered one
of the best in the world.
Typical souvenir, the slippers are the traditional Moroccan
slippers. They can be worn indoors and outdoors. You can also buy other leather
items, such as beautiful handbags at a lower price - it will surely be easier
to carry than slippers - or lanterns. If you have a little time, order
something made to measure (the bag of your dreams, boots to your size) from a
craftsman: you will not regret it!
One of the great specificities of leatherworking in Morocco
is the slipper. the craftsmen "babouches" are established in
several cities of the kingdom. in Fez, it is the "Fassya" slipper with
a pointed look, that of the Berbers, with a rather rounded end. It is the
ultimate slipper for workers in the fields.
History of the babouches:
The traditional slipper has worn Bedouins and kings for
centuries. It comes from the Arabic "babush" or "papush" in
Persian. Inspired by the open sandal, the slipper is recognizable by its long
pointed toe point. This is supposed to reflect the fact that its bearers (often
17th-century French monarchs and courtiers) were overly concerned with their
lifestyle and appearance. They led a luxurious life, which allowed them to keep
their shoes in excellent condition while enjoying optimal comfort. The comfort
of the slipper comes from its manufacturing process: it is cleaned and dried
several times until it reaches an optimal level of comfort. At first glance,
this traditional shoe can be considered obsolete, but the slipper has returned
to fashion in recent years worldwide. Handcrafted slippers are still produced
today in the markets of Marrakech, Morocco, and remain a cultural icon.
The babouches in Marrakech:
Have you ever visited the great souk of Marrakech? an advice
. if not, take a look. It’s an amazing experience for anyone who appreciates
the markets. You will find the essential Babouche there, these colorful
slippers that you can find in abundance in market stalls and stores across
Morocco. The Babouches are made of leather or fabric and are often decorated.
the slippers have a thin leather sole and have no heel. You'll put them on like
a mule. Babouche is the French version of the Persian word papoosh (pa for
"pied" and poosh for "Covering").
Characteristics of the slippers:
The slippers have a wide variety of colors and materials.
There seems to be an infinite number of pairs of colors with glitter,
embroidery, bows, and patterns. Some slippers are very simple with a rounded tip
and only one mat color. Others will be embroidered in several colors.
Marrakech, an extraordinary breeding ground for crafts:
The city of Marrakech was created in 1062. It is a stopping
point for traders between Spain, the Sahara and African countries (Senegal,
Mali and Ghana). The caravans stopped at Marrackech to exchange goods and
Marrakech has become an important political, religious and social center in
North Africa. There are almost 18 souks in Marrakech. Many sellers offer
typically Moroccan products to welcome tourists who visit the city. The souks
of Marrakech employ nearly 40,000 artisans and are essential to the pursuit of
traditional crafts.
0 Comments