Yasmin Zahran

Yasmin Zahran is a Palestinian writer and archeologist who is known for her novels, including A Beggar at Damascus Gate.

Early life and education

Zahran was born in Ramallah in 1933. She graduated from Columbia University and the University of London. She received a PhD in archaeology from Sorbonne University in Paris.

Career and activities

Following her graduation Zahran was employed in the UNESCO. Then she worked at the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology in Jerusalem. She is the cofounder of the Jerusalem-based Institute of Islamic Archaeology which was established in 1992. Zahran's studies focus on the leading historical figures in the Middle East such as Zenobia which she described as a multi-ethnic queen.
Zahran is a resident of both Paris and Ramallah.

Books

Zahran published her first novel, The First Melody, in 1991 which was published in Arabic. Her second book, A Beggar at Damascus Gate, which was written in English was published in 1993 and narrates the struggle of Palestinians to find a place which they could call home. This novel largely reflects Zahran's own experience.
Her other books include Philip the Arab: A Study in Prejudice, Zenobia Between Reality and Legend, Ghassan Resurrected and Septimius Severus: Countdown to Death. She wrote a book about cats entitled The Golden Tail in 2017.