An elderly and devout Arab who gives a job at his shop to Santiago, whose money was stolen when he arrived on the African continent (Tangier). He has been a successful crystal merchant all his life, but lost his former wealth due to changing trade routes. Although he says he saves money every day to go to Mecca, his greatest dream, he remains in place, saying deep down that this dream gives him the joy of living and that his life would lose its purpose if he actually went there. With the innovations Santiago brought (setting up a display outside, selling mint tea in glasses), he grows the shop significantly; he both regains his lost fortune and provides Santiago with enough wealth for his journey through the desert.
He has been running the same crystal shop for thirty years. In the past, rich kings and great merchants would come to his shop, and business was very good. However, as Tangier lost its commercial power over time and trade routes changed, he could not keep up and, accepting his fate, became trapped in a tiny, struggling shop.
A merchant in Arab clothing, appearing old, tired, and mournful.
Santiago
The person who offers him temporary shelter, work, and funding; but at the same time, the one who is spiritually revitalized by learning great lessons of courage from him.