Meet Mohamed Aziz: Morocco's Beloved Bookseller Who Defied Adversity
Morocco’s Oldest Bookseller Built A Life Around Reading After Leaving School At 15
News 18
Image: News 18
Mohamed Aziz, one of Morocco's oldest booksellers, has dedicated his life to books after leaving school at 15 due to financial hardship. Despite his challenges, he has built a thriving bookshop in Rabat, where he continues to inspire others with his philosophy on reading and learning.
- 01Mohamed Aziz is regarded as one of Morocco's oldest booksellers.
- 02He began his journey in books after leaving school at 15 due to financial difficulties.
- 03Aziz opened his bookshop in Rabat in 1967 and has taught himself multiple languages.
- 04His philosophy emphasizes the importance of reading, as reflected in his famous quote.
- 05Despite his growing online popularity, Aziz continues to lead a humble life centered around books.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
In the medina of Rabat, Morocco, Mohamed Aziz, now in his late 70s, is celebrated as one of the country's oldest booksellers. His journey began in adversity; he lost both parents at a young age and had to leave school at 15 due to financial constraints. Despite these challenges, Aziz's passion for books never waned. He started selling books in 1963 with a modest collection displayed on a rug and opened a permanent bookshop in 1967. Known for his dedication, he spends long hours reading and has taught himself languages including Arabic, French, English, and Spanish. A recent viral Instagram post highlighted his life philosophy, featuring his quote: “Those who can’t read won’t steal books. And those who can, aren’t thieves.” This reflects his unique approach to books, often displayed openly in his shop. While his online presence grows, Aziz remains committed to his humble lifestyle, surrounded by the books that have shaped his life.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Aziz's story inspires local communities to value literacy and the importance of books, encouraging a culture of reading in Rabat.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
How important do you think local bookstores are for community literacy?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




