'In The Shade of the Tree is a unique photographic record of a world few outsiders gain access to and fewer still understand in any depth. Peter Sanders has devoted 35 years to capturing aspects of the Islamic world all too often ignored in an age of constant change and upheaval. His ravishing portfolio of a vibrant but seemingly vanishing world of saints and mystics across the Muslim world counter-pointed by haunting landscapes and architectural wonders, is infused with a profound and reflective serenity that could only be achieved by a master of his craft who is also a spiritual adept. All the words accompanying these remarkable images come from the Qur'an, the Prophet Muhammad, spiritual masters or the photographer himself.'
Peter Sanders is a British photographer. His works focus on the Muslim community around the world, especially on their traditional and spiritual aspects. Having more than four decades of experience in photography, Sanders is one of the most renowned and respected Muslim photographers in the world
Born in London, Sanders began his career in photography in the mid-1960s, where he often recorded the faces of well-known musicians including Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and The Rolling Stones. In the 1970s, his attention shifted, which led him to the traditional and spiritual universe of Islam. He converted to Islam in 1971. The same year, Sanders was given a unique opportunity to record the warmth of the world's largest worship gathering in Mecca during the Hajj season. These pictures have appeared in major UK and European magazines such as The Sunday Times, The Observer and Paris Match. Sanders travelled around the world to meet and capture the images of saints and sages of Islam which he has later published in a book titled 'Meetings with Mountains'.
Peter Sanders has captured stunning images of the Muslim world throughout the years, and I am absolutely in awe of his technique and photographic eye. He has spent time to not only get the best photos but to understand why each one is so mysterious, spiritual and heartwarming.
“in the gardens of Alhambra Palace trying to capture the spirit of the place in a photograph felt like therapy. The sound of running water, the songs of birds, the variety of colors, the setting sun, and the subtle stillness of it all would cause the insane to become sane”