Sakir Khader is a Palestinian-Dutch documentary photographer and filmmaker whose work explores the relationship between life and death in conflict zones, particularly across Palestine and the Middle East.
Born in the Netherlands in 1990 to Palestinian parents, Khader grew up between the Netherlands and the West Bank. His practice developed through photography, film and investigative journalism, combining documentary observation with an intimate and cinematic approach to everyday life.
Khader began his career in journalism, working as a reporter and investigative journalist before dedicating himself fully to photography and film. His work has taken him to conflict zones including Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine, where he focuses not only on violence itself but on the lives, relationships and moments of humanity that exist alongside it.
His photography has received several major distinctions, including the Silver Camera Award. In 2024, Khader became the first Palestinian photographer to join Magnum Photos, marking an important recognition of his documentary practice and distinctive visual language.
Khader has published several photography books, including Martyrs’ Brigade, published by 550BC in 2022, and Dying to Exist, published in 2024. Martyrs’ Brigade documents the life of Syrian rebel fighters on the frontlines of the Syrian war, combining intimate observations with a raw and immersive photographic approach.
His work has been exhibited internationally, including at Foam Amsterdam, where his exhibition Yawm al-Firak explored the lives and deaths of young men from the West Bank and the grief of their families. Across his practice, Khader seeks to portray people beyond the image of conflict, giving space to dignity, tenderness, resilience and everyday life.
Discover photography books and publications by sakir khader at L’IMAGERIE STORE.
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550BC - Sakir Khader - Martyrs Brigade
550bc - Dying to Exist - Signed
