Tree of Pearls

How does a young slave girl become free? How does she survive kidnapping and violent attacks? How does she become the chief adviser to a great ruler? How does she defeat the Crusaders? And, finally, how does she rule the whole of Egypt as its Queen?

This is the extraordinary and inspiring story of Shajara al Durr, a Muslim girl who became one of the greatest leaders in history—a Queen of Egypt known as Tree of Pearls. It is a story that stretches from Baghdad to Damascus to Cairo. It is the story of a young woman who raised herself from poverty to power, educated herself, and proved able to outwit her enemies and capture the loyalty of an army. It is a story of romance and intrigue, and of courage and persistence in the face of great danger. And it is true!

Victoria El Henawy is an archaeologist specialising in 12^th – 15^th century Egypt. She is passionate about the art, architecture, culture, and history of the Islamic world. She has worked with several charities supporting women and children of the Middle East. A mother of two children, she is especially interested in the promotion of rights, health, and education for girls. She earned a graduate degree in Islamic art and architecture from School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. This is her first published title in a series of books on great Muslim women and girls through history.

FRONT COVER ARTWORK: by Dina Wassif – Proud Egyptian artist, Wife, Mother, Artist and Biker.