My Story

Hi! My name is Chakir.

I was born in the plateaued town of Oarzazate, Morocco, just south of Northern Africa’s resource-rich Atlas Mountains. My story began in a town known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert. My hometown is my heritage, and I owe it so much: from the “Liquid Gold” argan oil, the most expensive spice in the world, to the lovely and strong wood of the thuya tree, it also gave me a front seat to Earth’s exquisite bounty and the artisans who brilliantly craft from it.

I moved to the United States in 2005. My love of fine craftsmanship brought him to Philadelphia’s historic Jewelers’ Row. There, I sold unique engagement rings, created custom pieces and learned to repair and maintain fine jewelry. In 2014, I decided to bring my heritage to the United States and built this shop: Little Marrakesh Bazaar.

I built Little Marrakesh Bazaar to offer the most authentic of Moroccan handcrafted homegoods for discerning shoppers and gift-givers. I work with local artisans directly, flying on a regular basis to my home and carefully selecting each piece I want to share with you.

At the end of 2017, we took residence in the historic Reading Terminal Market in Center City Philadelphia. Being given the opportunity to work alongside iconic Philadelphia merchants such as Beiler’s Bakery, Bassett’s Ice Cream, Flying Monkey Bakery, DiNic’s, Hershel’s and The Dutch Eating Place, is one of the best experience I could hope for. I love my new home in the Reading Terminal Market for many reasons, but I'm particularly enamored by its history, the friendliness of my fellow vendors, and the fact that, much like his hometown, Reading Terminal acts as something of a gateway to Philadelphia for the 6 million visitors it hosts each year. So come and meet me in person, I'm here 7 days a week!