Zohrab Markerian
Photographer, Publisher, and Mountain Climber
Zohrab Markerian’s name is etched into the minds of many art and photography enthusiasts, not only due to his connection with Jordan’s King Hussein Bin Talal but because of the incredible life he has led. From capturing historical moments to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for Al Hussein Cancer Center for Children, his life is a blend of artistry, adventure, and dedication.
Zohrab’s journey began in one of the poorest areas of Amman, Jordan, where he was raised after losing his father at a young age. He left school to support his family, setting aside his early ambition of becoming a musician. His life’s goal became meeting his role model, King Hussein, whom he saw as a father figure. Little did he know that this dream would lead him to become the King’s personal photographer for nearly two decades.
As the King’s photographer, Zohrab was not just an observer but a trusted friend who traveled the world alongside King Hussein, capturing moments of great historical significance. His photography offered a glimpse into the King’s leadership, wisdom, and humanity, painting a picture of the monarch’s life for the world to see.
Zohrab’s work wasn’t just a career; it was a passion. Despite the proximity to power and influence, he remained humble, viewing his role as a way to get closer to his hero rather than a means for personal gain. One story Zohrab fondly recounts is during a military parade when he discreetly removed a cigarette packet from King Hussein’s uniform, showcasing the trust the King placed in him. It is these small yet significant moments that highlight the deep bond he shared with the royal family.
Though his work with the royal family brought him recognition, Zohrab’s path to success was far from easy. In his early years, he worked in a photography studio in Amman, often developing black-and-white photos late into the night. His journey took him through eerie, quiet cemeteries as he walked home, foreshadowing the many surreal moments that would fill his life.
One such moment came during a trip to Jerusalem in 1963, where Zohrab and his friends received tattoos of Saint George, a symbol of courage that would later become a source of strength during challenging times. Before his photography career took off, Zohrab was also a part of Jordan’s music scene, playing in a rock band called The Believers, which drew a significant following. Though he played a supporting role in the band, his love for spectacle and drama often placed him at the center of attention.
His talents were not limited to the arts; they were fueled by his charisma and leadership. Photography, however, became his true calling, and his admiration for King Hussein and the Hashemite family served as his greatest inspiration. He often reflects on his journey as one of rising “from nothing to everything,” crediting much of his success to his mother’s unwavering support.
Zohrab’s personal life also holds tales of spontaneity and charm. He met his wife, Elizabeth Kira Kossian, early in his photography career during his travels between Amman and Beirut. Elizabeth, a graceful young woman of Lebanese-Armenian descent, immediately captured his heart.
Their love story blossomed into a marriage that lasted three years. However, Zohrab’s demanding career and constant travels took a toll on their relationship. Elizabeth, considering a return to the United States to be with her family, nearly ended their marriage. But in an unexpected turn, King Hussein himself intervened, personally visiting their home to mediate a reconciliation.
His gesture of arranging a second honeymoon for the couple speaks volumes about the bond Zohrab shared with the royal family. Zohrab’s life continued to intertwine with the Hashemites. Queen Alia, King Hussein’s third wife, played a significant role in Zohrab’s personal and professional development. Her tragic death in 1977, during a helicopter crash, deeply impacted Zohrab.
On the night of her death, Queen Alia had shared with Zohrab her vision for him to become a professional photographer with an academic degree, even noting the name of an academy for him. Fulfilling her wish, King Hussein later sent Zohrab to study photography at the German School in New York. Zohrab’s time in New York wasn’t without its share of strange experiences.
Staying at an apartment on 83 Third Avenue, he encountered what he described as supernatural disturbances—nightly visits from a faceless ghost resembling Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings. After discovering that a murder had occurred in his apartment two decades earlier, Zohrab realized that the ghost was the spirit of the deceased. It was his faith, symbolized by the Saint George tattoo, that gave him the strength to confront and command the ghost to leave. Through all of these challenges and surreal encounters, Zohrab’s dedication to his craft remained unwavering. From his early struggles in Amman to becoming King Hussein’s personal
photographer, his life is a testament to resilience, loyalty, and the pursuit of passion. Today, his photography continues to inspire, offering a window into both the royal family’s legacy and the unique journey of a man who rose from humble beginnings to international recognition.
Zohrab Markerian worked closely with King Hussein Bin Talal of Jordan and the Royal family for over 20 years, serving as their personal photographer. His long-standing relationship with the monarchy earned him deep trust and respect. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Zohrab also demonstrated his commitment to humanitarian causes, notably by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the Al Hussein Cancer Center for Children. His dedication to both his craft and his philanthropic efforts exemplifies his extraordinary life of service and passion.
