Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, representing love and a boundless journey into the infinite, is celebrated as a grand spiritual master and a poetic genius in human history. He was the founder of the Mevlevi Sufi Order, a mystic Islamic brotherhood built on love and tolerance. Born on 30 September 1207 in Balkh, now part of modern-day Afghanistan, Rumi's family fled the Mongol invasion, eventually settling in Konya, in the Seljuk Empire. Succeeding his father as a professor in religious sciences at the age of 24, Rumi was already a distinguished scholar.
His teachings emphasize love as a path to the Divine, advocating for an existence merged with God, free from the ego. Rumi's philosophy transcends words and perceptions, offering a vision of love, divine truth, and unity. His sanctuary in Konya, consisting of a mausoleum, mosque, dance hall, and more, continues to attract pilgrims from all over the world.
Rumi's enduring message is of love, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. His night of passing, 17 December, is celebrated as Şeb-i Arus, symbolizing his union with the divine. Rumi's works, especially 'The Masnavi', have been translated globally, making him a best-selling poet in many countries, including the USA.
The Whirling Dervishes Ceremony, a part of the Mevlevi tradition, is a spiritual practice symbolizing the divine journey to perfection. This ceremony, deeply rooted in Rumi's teachings, is a significant experience in Travel in Turkey, showcasing a mesmerizing blend of music, dance, and spirituality, reflective of Rumi's profound impact on Sufism and beyond. The Mevlevi Order, despite being outlawed in 1923 during Turkey's secularization, continues to live on, embodying Rumi's legacy of love, tolerance, and spiritual enlightenment.
