Introduction
The Islamic garden is a powerful vehicle for ‘bridge-building’ between faiths and cultures, particularly between Islam and the West. The garden is a particularly potent symbol for drawing peoples together, not only because of its associations with Paradise but also because its prime materials are plants, trees and flowers which by their nature speak of tranquillity and peace; and of course, water, the supreme element in an Islamic garden, has universal symbolism of purity and heavenly mercy.
In 2008, a steering group was formed to see if it would be possible to take the idea forward and create an Islamic Garden in High Wycombe.
Many ideas for a name for the garden were suggested; a competition was considered, but then someone suggested "Gulshan". It means "beautiful garden" but somehow, more than that. The committee members from the local population were sure it was the right name because of the smiles and looks of wonder on the faces of the Asian members as they said it. Gulshan-e-Wycombe our project became. It has the advantage, too, of being correctly pronounced by people who do not speak Urdu!
The Gulshan-e-Wycombe steering committee is seeking charitable status and hopes that, before long, High Wycombe will have its Islamic Garden as a token of friendship and understanding in the whole Wycombe community – and beyond.