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.
Yasmin Zahran | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1933 (age 90–91) Ramallah, Mandate for Palestine |
| Occupation | Archeologist |
| Alma mater | |
| Period | 1990s |
| Genre | Novel |
| Notable works | A Beggar at Damascus Gate |
Early life and education edit
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 edit
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 edit
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 edit
- ^ a b "Yasmin Zahran". Litmus Press. 22 September 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
- ^ Raḍwá ʻĀshūr; Ferial Jabouri Ghazoul; Hasna Reda-Mekdashi, eds. (2008). Arab Women Writers: A Critical Reference Guide, 1873-1999. Translated by Mandy McClure. Cairo; New York: American University in Cairo Press. p. 515. ISBN 978-977-416-146-9.
- ^ a b Salah Hussein A. Al Houdalieh (2009). "Archaeology Programs at the Palestinian Universities: Reality and Challenges". Archaeologies. 5 (1): 161–183. doi:10.1007/s11759-009-9097-9. S2CID 153948008.
- ^ a b c d e Samah Samih Elhajibrahim (2007). Beyond orientalism: A study of three Arabic women writers (MA thesis). Texas Woman's University. pp. 37–38. hdl:11274/11633.
- ^ Taef El-Azhari (2019). Queens, Eunuchs and Concubines in Islamic History, 661–1257. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. p. 47. doi:10.1515/9781474423199. ISBN 9781474423199. S2CID 248014863.
- ^ Marilyn Booth (Winter 1997). "Book review. A Beggar at Damascus Gate". World Literature Today. 71 (1).
- ^ Layla Al Maleh (2009). "From Romantic Mystics to Hyphenated Ethnics: Arab-American Writers Negotiating/Shifting Identities". In Layla Al Maleh (ed.). Arab Voices in Diaspora. Critical Perspectives on Anglophone Arab Literature. Leiden: Brill. p. 436. doi:10.1163/9789042027190_017. ISBN 9789042027190.
- ^ "The Golden Tail". gilgamesh-publishing.co.uk. Retrieved 16 September 2023.