Palestinian archeologist and novelist (born 1933)
Yasmin Zahran |
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Born | 1933 (age 91–92) Ramallah, Mandate for Palestine |
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Occupation | Archeologist |
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Alma mater | |
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Period | 1990s |
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Genre | Novel |
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Notable works | A Beggar at Damascus Gate |
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Yasmin Zahran (Arabic: ياسمين زهران, romanized: Yāsamīn Zahrān; born 1933) 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.[1][2] She graduated from Columbia University and the University of London.[3] She received a PhD in archaeology from Sorbonne University in Paris.[4]
Career and activities
Following her graduation Zahran was employed in the UNESCO.[4] Then she worked at the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology in Jerusalem.[4] She is the cofounder of the Jerusalem-based Institute of Islamic Archaeology which was established in 1992.[3] Zahran's studies focus on the leading historical figures in the Middle East such as Zenobia which she described as a multi-ethnic queen.[5]
Zahran is a resident of both Paris and Ramallah.[1]
Books
Zahran published her first novel, The First Melody, in 1991 which was published in Arabic.[4] 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.[6] This novel largely reflects Zahran's own experience.[7]
Her other books include Philip the Arab: A Study in Prejudice, Zenobia Between Reality and Legend, Ghassan Resurrected and Septimius Severus: Countdown to Death.[4] She wrote a book about cats entitled The Golden Tail in 2017.[8]
References
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