The name of our magazine was taken from the title of a Jorge Luis Borges novel. The Zahir is an Arabic word, meaning that which is visible or manifest – the concept of being conceptualised. It’s something that becomes more enigmatic upon inspection.

The Zahir is the culture magazine of the University of York. We have sections on music, film, art, literature and politics, plus a different feature each edition. As a magazine, we’re all about changing opinions. If one person reads our magazine and changes their opinion on something, anything, we consider it a huge success. However we do it, The Zahir is there to make you question that which originally you were so certain of. We are a member of the System, but don’t give in to the Man, y’know?

Human or Kryptonian, biped or quadruped, blue or green – anyone can write for us. We welcome articles on whatever it is you want to say, whether it’s related to that edition’s feature or not. I love reading articles and having my own opinions challenged, so please don’t feel coy about dropping me an email to pitch me an idea or to ask to be put on the mailing list. The address is zahir@yusu.org. Our termly deadline is usually around Monday of Week 5, so as long as you get something into me by then I will do my utmost to make it part of the magazine. And don’t be disappointed if you’re not published – usually it’s due to a lack of pages, but we’ll put you on here instead.

We are a growing magazine. Edition 6.3 was a test-run of the new route we’re taking the magazine – hell, even this website is brand new. New ideas will help us to expand and help me to learn. I would love to hear from you. It is an exciting time to get involved, as the magazine will go from strength to strength over the coming term.

I keep referring to “I” – apologies, how rude of me. I am the editor of The Zahir, with a crack team behind me. This is the editorial team of 2012:

Editor: Helena Davies

Deputy Editor: Oliver Wheatley

Literature Editor: Sophie Taylor

Politics Editor: Josephine Harmon

Music Editor: Ed Grande

Film Editor: Alex Cochrayne-Dyet

Art Editor: Dan Cave