Old Town Tanneries

The whole procedure to make raw leather into usable material is called tanning and is carried out by tanning masters.

Tanning is the process applied to raw leather before the leather dries and deteriorates.

The processed leather is primarily used for clothing items and many other forms of products also.

However, the tanning profession, which held major importance in Kuşadası’s cultural, social and economic life in the past was defeated by the developing technology in the early 2000’s. However, this tannery, where no machinery or chemicals were used, was still active between 1937 and 1968.

The 16 stone structures in the tannery where the tanning procedures were carried out has been restored and is used as Tannery Museum where the hand tools used by the tanning masters can be seen on display today.

This exhibition centre offers a unique opportunity to see the materials that were used for natural tanning.