Home . Biography

For over three decades, the Kingdom of Jordan and many parts of our world have been captured by the lens of Zohrab. Zohrab is a name interwoven with much more than photography; the renowned artist has become a legend at capturing moments in space, artworks of nature and beauty of beings.

After a long journey of hard work, discovery, and achievement, Zohrab has yet more to offer Jordan and the Arab world; Inspired by His Late Majesty King Hussein, his mission to convey a message of peace and cultural perceptive has led him to achieve a series of successful projects.

This website is a journey into his work and life, narrating Zohrab's experience in a world where fables met reality.

Early life

An Armenian by origin, Zohrab's family immigrated to Jordan following the Armenian genocide in the early 19th century. His younger years in Amman were a struggle; trying to find the means for stability and security. It wasn't until his early twenties Zohrab's determination for success and with a twist of fate met the beginning of his blossoming career.

In the early 1960's his talent for photography was developed vastly and turned into a profession, rapidly taking off in the local Ammanite scene, and alongside grew his passion towards Music. Zohrab was part of an en-vogue local Rock band "The Believers". Both music and photography shaped his style and character.

In 1974 Zohrab won the grand prize in the photography competition "Jordanian Flowers" under the patronage of Her Majesty late Queen Alia. As the winner, he was appointed by both their late Majesties King Hussein and Queen Alia as the official photographer of the Royal Hashemite family.

Career

Zohrab's exceeding talent in photography was recognized by her late Majesty Queen Alia, and in admiration she offered to send Zohrab to receive professional photography degree abroad.

Sadly, she passed away in a tragic accident in 1977; nonetheless, His Late Majesty King Hussein fulfilled her wishes in supporting Zohrab's career by sending him to Germaine School for photography in Manhattan New York, where he spent two years receiving professional study, in addition to numerous awards and honorary certificates.

Back in Jordan, Zohrab journeyed the world with his Majesty King Hussein and became the official Hashemite palace photographer for 22 years.

Accompanying his majesty was Zohrab's greatest honor; the Late King Hussein was the major source of enlightenment in his life and character.

In Zohrab's own words: "Your Majesty, I will never forget you, you will forever be animate in my heart".

Achievements and upcoming projects

Zohrab's work has been featured in international publications such as New York Times, Newsweek and People's Magazine in addition to representing Jordan in several exhibitions held in London, Los Angeles and Japan.

Books and Publications

Outstanding works of photography are featured in 9 books published by Zohrab:

* King and Country 1985
* Jordan - Land for All Seasons 1988
* Jewels of the Crown 1989
* Kingdom of Peace 1995
* King Hussein 1999
* Dawn of a New Century 2000
* Jordan in the Eyes of Saraya 2005
* Amman 2007

In 2005, Zohrab launched "I Celebrating Jordan Magazine", the only magazine representing Jordanian art, talent, culture, history, peoples and heritage.

Media

In 2000, CNN featured Zohrab in "Inside the Middle East", a special encounter on his life, career and accomplishments.

Watch the video.

Salam Publications

Currently, Zohrab is directing the newly launched Salam Publications; a multi-publication production company, targeting to change views by educating the world about the diverse Arab and Islamic cultures. Among various projects, exhibitions and products, Salam will be issuing a by-monthly magazine on the Islamic & Arab world by exploring the different nations and showcasing all humane aspects, seeking to become a pioneer for bridging the gap of cultural awareness. Salam Magazine aims to accurately portray on all known and unknown Islamic & Arab cultures including the history, daily life, modernization, art, women’s movements, landscapes / architectures, wildlife, and much more. Salam Publications will be the key to empathy and true non-judgmental understanding, ultimately leading to peace and ‘ONE WORLD’ unity.

For more information, visit Salam Publications' Website.

Near Future Plans:

The unjust and distorted image of Arab and Muslim nations caused by western news and media has built an incentive for Zohrab to readily initiate work towards establishing "Arab History Channel".

This channel would be both non-religious and non-political and like Salam Publications will promote Arab pride, culture and history by documenting and showcasing the Rich Heritage of Our People through a Non-Subscription channel that is accessible to the masses via satellite and Internet.

Zohrab's Equipment

Fujica Panorama 6x17
Hasselblad 31/39
Canon EOS 400D
Nikon D80
Olympus SP-570 UZ