Babouches and a Moroccan savoire-faire
- Ahmed has been practising shoemaking since the 1980s
- His pieces are made with all natural ingredients, including plant-dyed leather
- He crafted a pair for Moroccan Prince Moulay Rachid
Ahmed Bouchaala specialises in crafting the Moroccan babouche, a traditional leather slipper. His journey began in the alleys of Fez, where as a child he watched master shoemakers at work. "I learned the craft through observation and consistent trial and error. Before I knew it, babouches had become more than a practice – they were a calling," Ahmed says. Today, in his workshop, he shapes each pair by hand with Ziwani leather dyed with wheat bran, herbs and even pigeon droppings. Ahmed's shoes reflect centuries of savoir-faire, but also a personal pride rooted in precision and tradition. He now sells his works in Morocco and abroad, with one royal commission standing out above all – a pair made for Prince Moulay Rachid.
Interview
- How did your journey with shoemaking begin?
- My father asked a shoemaker to teach me the craft when I was younger. I learned shoemaking step by step, watching and practising. I tried other crafts, but always came back to shoes. Eventually, I opened my own workshop, which felt like the right place to be.
- What defines a true Fez babouche?
- A pair of babouche shoes is known for its elegance and breathability. Fez babouches are made with Ziwani leather – yellow, soft and dyed entirely with plants. I use all natural materials, including bran, herbs, pomegranate and even pigeon droppings. People recognise them by colour and smell – they are pure Fez.
- What piece are you most proud of creating?
- I am really proud of the pair of babouches I was commissioned to make for Prince Moulay Rachid. I handcrafted it with great care, detail after detail. This commission proved to me that traditional work is still valued at the highest of levels.
- How long does it take to make a pair of shoes?
- A fully handmade, detailed pair takes up to five days. A simpler version can take one day. I work alone, without shortcuts, to ensure each cut and stitch is executed precisely. It is not a fast process, but that is the whole point.
Ahmed Bouchaala is a master artisan: he began his career in 1980 and he started teaching in 2000
Where
Ahmed Bouchaala
