Salwa Najm is a Canada-based artist who shares her works from time to time on Twitter. But one of her recent works just went well beyond her modest following on the platform and has gone viral. She drew a map of the Hejaz on which you can see cities like Makkah and Madinah in a style that draws upon J. R. R. Tolkien’s works. Just to provide some background, Tolkien is the man who wrote the Lord of the Rings series.
It all started with this tweet that showcases her “Hijra Map.”
Makkah to Madinah map, Tolkien style is pretty much complete
Prints will soon be available on my website isA pic.twitter.com/2gJcun4CNT
— Salwa Najm (@salwanajmart) January 7, 2023
The original was sold almost immediately as word went around.
Original is SOLD
— Salwa Najm (@salwanajmart) January 7, 2023
The demands for subsequent prints were insane.
Ayo frens! I’m touched by the support I’ve been receiving since I’ve launched my first Tolkien inspired map.
I’m already swarmed with orders so processing time may take an extra day or two.
I cannot thank you all enough 🥺❤️
بارك الله فيكم
— Salwa Najm (@salwanajmart) January 15, 2023
Eventually this happened.
Okay everyone. Due to the incredibly large number of print orders, I’ve had to temporarily pause the Hijra Map prints for the next few days. I know, booo. But I hope to have them up again before the end of the week isA! I’m honoured to have your support 🥺
— Salwa Najm (@salwanajmart) January 15, 2023