Mohamed Zkhiri

Autumn 2017 has not been kind to the Marrakech community in addition to the passing of the iconic Pierre Berge we also lost Mohamed Zkhiri who has a lower profile internationally but was no less widely appreciated in the Red City.
Mike and Lucie have fond memories of Mohammed’s hospitality at Dar Yacout, a golden eopoque indeed! That extraordinary building by american architect Bill Willis remains an inspiration.
The Anglo Business Association issued the following moving statement which echoes our sentiments:
“Mr. Mohammed Zkhiri, prominent citizen and enduring friend of the British community in Marrakech, sadly passed away on Wednesday 16th August this year.  Mr. Zkhiri was a businessman with wide ranging interests but was best known as owner of the world renowned Dar Yacout restaurant, one of Marrakech’s legendary addresses that has hosted film stars and heads of state.
Mr. Zkhiri also served as the British Honorary Consul in Marrakech from 1994 until 2011. He saw the dramatic rise of Anglophone expats coming to live in Morocco as well as the mushrooming of British tourism to the country.  On his retirement from the post of Honorary Consul he received a personal letter of thanks signed by the then Home Secretary, Jack Straw.
Mohammed became an enormously important and well known figure amongst the Anglophone community in the city, hosting regular social events at his restaurant in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday or the visit of the British Ambassador. These events that have become emblematic of the golden époque of Marrakech from 2000 – 2010.
There are many British citizens still living in the city today who feel a large debt of gratitude to Mohamed for his support and advice as well as for the practical help that he offered them during their years living in the country.  News of his passing has been received with great sadness by the Anglophone community of Morocco. Mr. Zkhiri will be remembered with with great affection and gratitude.
The Anglo Business Community would like to extend its deepest condolences to his family and friends.”