You can enter this souk through Bab Menara and rue des selliers (saddle-makers). The word as-Sakkajine is a deformation of ach-chakkazine plural of chakaz meaning an artisan who makes "achkouz" which is a saddle of high-quality leather. The souk has been in existence since the 9th H/15th c. AD but has been rehabilitated by Bey Hussein Ibn Ali (1117-1153 H/1705-1740 AD). It was specialised in the manufacture of saddles, harness and other riding furnishings as well as of leather goods in general. Nowadays only two artisan saddlers are still in activity and shops in the souk have switched to a variety of other activities. |