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]
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]
