Description
Join Shahina A. Ghazanfar, author and botanist at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and renowned scientific illustrator, Sue Wickison, in conversation, as they discuss their award winning book, Plants of the Qur’an.
As the first book ever to investigate the etymology and history of the plants mentioned in the Qur’an, it gives descriptions and beautiful, detailed illustrations showing the plants’ habitats, leaves, flowers, fruits and dissections. It is the winner of the Garden Media Guild Award Book of the Year, and the 2024 Award of Excellence in Botanical Art and Illustration from The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries.
In this captivating talk, Ghazanfar and Wickison will present their insightful research and observations. Whether you are a follower of the Qur’an, green-fingered or just curious, this event is unmissable.
An exhibition of 31 paintings from the book is available at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, 22 June – 8 September.
About the Speakers
Shahina A. Ghazanfar
Shahina A. Ghazanfar, renowned for her botanical research in Pakistan, West Africa, and the Middle East, focuses on national and regional floras. With expertise in Middle Eastern vegetation, biogeography, and conservation, she delves into plants of medicinal, historical, and economic significance. Currently, her work centers on medicinal plants of the region. Holding a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge and recently awarded a Sc.D. in 2023, she’s a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London, honored with the Linnean Medal for Botany in 2021.
Sue Wickison
Sue Wickison, born and raised in Sierra Leone, developed her love for natural history from her father, a teacher and amateur botanist. Her accolades include the 2023 Jill Smythies Award and a 2024 Fellowship with the Linnean Society. Her work includes the Plants of the Qur’ān exhibition at Kew Gardens, and her art is featured in prestigious collections worldwide. She has also created over 50 natural history stamps for ten Pacific countries. Now based in New Zealand, she continues her freelance botanical artistry, focusing on both native and internationally significant flora.
About the Chair
Samia Rahman
Samia Rahman is a writer, scholar and journalist, whose research focuses on Muslim women, patriarchy and structures of power. The former director of the Muslim Institute and former deputy editor of the quarterly Critical Muslim, she is studying for a PhD at Goldsmiths, University of London.
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