Flora and Topophilia in the Literary Component of Kawkab al-rawḍa (The Flower of the Garden) by al-Suyūṭī

The Nilotic island of Rawḍa has been a source of poetical inspiration throughout centuries. The distinctiveness of its natural landscape, marked by the water of the Nile and a lush vegetation, made the island a desirable place of recreation in the heart of Cairo. In this article I will focus on the only work centred on Rawḍa, the historical-literary anthology Kawkab al-rawḍa composed by the religious scholar Ǧalāl al-Dīn al-Suyūṭī toward the end of the 15th century. The work is an outstanding example of Nilotic literature produced in Mamluk Egypt. In particular I will analyse the literary sections of the work dedicated to the flora of the island, with the aim of highlighting how the vegetal – with special attention to the floral – element has been invested with multiple facets; first and foremost, conveying a sense of belonging to a heavenly yet earthly piece of land.