Somewhere between the busy souks of Marrakech and our little riad, Dar Tchaikana, there's a narrow alley I must have walked through dozens of times.

Since the 2023 earthquake, large wooden beams have been supporting the old buildings on either side. You can't really miss them. And apparently, once you've spent enough days sourcing and photographing rugs, you start seeing potential photo locations just about everywhere.

So that's where HABIBI ended up. Draped over those wooden beams, then stretched out across the little alley. A rather unexpected backdrop for a beautiful vintage Boucherouite runner we had found earlier at the criée.

HABIBI combines the colourful, resourceful character of traditional Boucherouite weaving with elements of Boujad rug craftsmanship.

Wool and cotton come together in a beautifully textured surface, with variations in pile height and density that give the rug its wonderfully imperfect vintage character.

The vivid red background, playful diamond motifs and unexpected touches of green, purple and pink make this one quite a character.

Its long, narrow shape makes it a wonderful piece for a hallway or corridor, bringing colour and character into spaces that are often overlooked. Equally beautiful in an otherwise quiet, neutral interior.

Personally sourced at the Marrakech criée

HABIBI was handpicked during our October 2026 sourcing trip at the criée, Marrakech's traditional rug auction, where vintage Moroccan textiles change hands in a lively and wonderfully unpredictable atmosphere.

It's one of our favourite places to source. Not because finding the right pieces is easy, but because you never quite know what will appear next.

After purchasing HABIBI, we arranged for it to be professionally cleaned locally in Marrakech. Once washed and dried in the Moroccan sunshine, it was photographed before being carefully packed and transported to Belgium.

A little journey of its own, from the criée to our collection.

The beauty of handmade & vintage

Traditional Boucherouite rugs are created using strips and remnants of existing textiles, giving discarded fabrics an entirely new purpose.

HABIBI is a beautiful example of this resourceful Moroccan weaving tradition, combining recycled materials, colourful geometric patterns and the unmistakable individuality of handmade work.

Its irregularities are part of what makes it special. Slight variations in shape, uneven edges, differences in pile height and occasional visible textile fibres are all characteristic of its handmade and vintage nature.

This is not a factory-made rug, and it shouldn't be expected to look like one.

Each vintage Boucherouite is a unique piece, made by hand and carrying the character of its previous life.

Product details

• Name: HABIBI
• Type: Vintage Moroccan Boucherouite / Boujad runner
• Origin: Morocco
• Sourcing: Personally sourced at the Marrakech criée, October 2026
• Dimensions: 350 x 85 cm
• Shape: Long, narrow runner
• Materials: Predominantly upcycled cotton textiles, with additional wool recycled fibres
• Technique: Traditional handmade weaving with knotted textile pile
• Colours: Red, coral pink, fuchsia, green, purple, yellow and multicoloured details
• Texture: Soft, textured pile with variations in density and height
• Condition: Vintage, professionally cleaned in Marrakech
• Quantity: One unique piece
• Availability: Shipped from Belgium

Care & maintenance

HABIBI has already been professionally cleaned in Marrakech before arriving in Belgium.

For everyday care, gently vacuum using a suction-only setting, without a rotating brush. Shake out occasionally when practical and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to help preserve its colours.

Spot-clean carefully with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Always test on a small, discreet area first.

For a thorough cleaning, we recommend a professional rug cleaner experienced with vintage Moroccan and mixed-fibre textiles.

A non-slip rug underlay is recommended, particularly when placed on smooth flooring.

A note on handmade character

Please remember that HABIBI is a vintage, handmade rug rather than a newly manufactured product. Its uneven contours, irregular pattern, variations in texture and small traces of previous use are all part of its authentic character.

We photograph our rugs individually and as accurately as possible, so you can appreciate the actual piece you are purchasing.

One rug. One story. One of a kind.