Zahraa Hankir is a Lebanese-British journalist and author whose compelling work navigates the complex cultural and political landscapes of the Middle East. With a career spanning over a decade, Hankir has established herself as a leading voice in amplifying underrepresented stories, particularly those of Arab women journalists reporting from conflict zones. Her thoughtful and nuanced approach challenges prevailing narratives and offers fresh perspectives rooted in lived experience and meticulous research.
Born to Lebanese parents and educated across continents, Hankir’s academic background laid a strong foundation for her journalistic pursuits. She studied politics at the American University of Beirut, deepening her understanding of the region’s socio-political dynamics. Further refining her craft, she pursued Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Manchester and later earned a prestigious Scripps Howard Fellowship to attend the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. This blend of academic rigor and journalistic training equipped her to navigate and articulate the complexities of Middle Eastern affairs with authority and empathy.
Throughout her career, Hankir has contributed to renowned outlets including BBC News, Al Jazeera English, Bloomberg Businessweek, Vice, and Literary Hub. Her reporting consistently highlights the human stories behind headlines, focusing on voices often marginalized in mainstream media. Whether covering political upheavals, social movements, or cultural shifts, Hankir’s work underscores the power of storytelling as a bridge between disparate worlds.
In 2019, Hankir made a significant mark as the editor of Our Women on the Ground: Essays by Arab Women Reporting from the Arab World. This anthology gathered powerful essays from Arab women journalists working within their home countries—offering intimate insights into the challenges and triumphs they face in environments shaped by conflict and censorship. The collection not only foregrounded the vital role of women in journalism but also contributed to broader discussions about representation, agency, and resilience in the Arab world.
Expanding her literary footprint, Hankir’s 2023 book Eyeliner: A Cultural History explores the symbolic and cultural significance of eyeliner across civilizations and eras. Through vivid narratives, she traces eyeliner’s role from ancient Egypt to contemporary societies, illuminating how this seemingly simple cosmetic becomes a tool of identity, resistance, and expression. The book resonates beyond fashion, engaging readers in conversations about gender, power, and cultural heritage.
Currently, Hankir is preparing to edit Let It Be a Tale: Palestinian Journalists on Survival and Resistance, scheduled for release in 2027. This forthcoming anthology promises to deepen the dialogue on journalism’s role amid conflict, focusing on Palestinian reporters’ experiences as they navigate professional and personal survival within an ongoing crisis.
Zahraa Hankir’s work exemplifies the intersection of journalism, cultural history, and activism. By amplifying marginalized voices and unpacking layered narratives, she challenges stereotypes and fosters a more nuanced understanding of the Middle East. Her commitment to telling authentic stories not only enriches global discourse but also inspires emerging journalists and readers seeking to comprehend a region often oversimplified.
As climate change, conflict, and social upheavals continue to shape global affairs, voices like Hankir’s are critical in providing context and humanity. Her journalism and authorship bridge gaps between cultures and audiences, reminding us that behind every headline lies a story worth telling—complex, compelling, and deeply human.
