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Rumi

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Rumi was a famous poet and a Sufi mystic.

Maulana Jelaledin Muhammad Rumi in konya
Maulana Jelaledin Muhammad Rumi in konya

A mystic is someone who seeks a deep connection with the divine. He is known for his beautiful poetry and his spiritual ideas. Many people today call him the most popular poet in the world. His works are read in many different languages. Even in the United States, he has been a best-selling poet. His life was a journey of deep feeling and learning.

Mawlana Rumi - Stamp Afghanistan 1968
Mawlana Rumi - Stamp Afghanistan 1968

His life changed because of a special meeting. Rumi was originally expected to be an Islamic scholar like his father. This was the path his family planned for him. However, he met a wandering dervish named Shams Tabrizi.

Ahmad ibn Hajji Abi Bakr al-Katib - Double-page Illuminated Frontispiece - Walters W6252B - Full Page
Ahmad ibn Hajji Abi Bakr al-Katib - Double-page Illuminated Frontispiece - Walters W6252B - Full Page

This meeting altered the course of his life forever. Rumi and Shams became very close friends. When Shams mysteriously disappeared, Rumi felt an intense period of grief. This sadness became the starting point for his many poems.

Rumi was born around September 30, 1207. His family came from a place called Balkh.

Bowl of Reflections, early 13th century
Bowl of Reflections, early 13th century

Because of the moving Mongol hordes, his family had to flee west. They traveled through cities like Baghdad and Damascus. At age 19, Rumi settled in the city of Konya. At that time, Konya was part of the Sultanate of Rum. This is why he is called Rumi, which means "the Roman." His father, Baha al-Din Walad, was also a famous religious leader.

He wrote many important books during his life. One of his greatest works is called the Masnavi.

Turkey.Konya021
Turkey.Konya021

Some people call this poem a "Qur'an in Persian." It is considered a crowning glory of Persian literature. Rumi was a man of many languages. He spoke Persian as his native tongue. He also used Arabic for learning and writing. He could use Turkish and Greek to talk to people in the market. He even wrote thirteen lines in Greek.

After he died on December 17, 1273, his followers continued his work.

Turkey.Konya008
Turkey.Konya008

His son, Sultan Walad, helped found the Mevlevi Order. This group is often called the Order of the Whirling Dervishes. They are famous for a special dance called the Sama ceremony. Rumi was buried in Konya next to his father. His shrine is now a museum called the Mevlâna Museum.

5000 TL A reverse
5000 TL A reverse

People still make special journeys to visit his resting place today.

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🖼️ Images & Media (9)
File:Jalal al-Din Rumi, Showing His Love for His Young Disciple Hussam al-Din Chelebi.jpg
Jalal al-Din Rumi, Showing His Love for...
File:Ahmad ibn Hajji Abi Bakr al-Katib - Double-page Illuminated Frontispiece - Walters W6252B - Full Page.jpg
Ahmad ibn Hajji Abi Bakr al-Katib -...
File:Maulana Jelaledin Muhammad Rumi in konya.jpg
Maulana Jelaledin Muhammad Rumi in konya.jpg
File:Turkey.Konya021.jpg
Turkey.Konya021.jpg
File:Bowl of Reflections, early 13th century.jpg
Bowl of Reflections, early 13th century.jpg
File:Mevlana ziyareti Mustafa Paşa.jpg
Mevlana ziyareti Mustafa Paşa.jpg
File:Turkey.Konya008.jpg
Turkey.Konya008.jpg
File:5000 TL A reverse.jpg
5000 TL A reverse.jpg
File:Mawlana Rumi - Stamp Afghanistan 1968.jpg
Mawlana Rumi - Stamp Afghanistan 1968.jpg
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