The 800th Anniversary Of The Birth Of Mawlana Rumi

Mawlana Jalalud-din Rumi, is one of the most universal of Islamic Saints, poet, humanists, jurist, and theologian is 800 years old. With this article I would like to explain briefly some general information about his works, ideas and about the man himself.

2007 is the 800th anniversary of the birth of Mawlana Jalal ud-din Rumi, the great humanist, mystic, poet and theologian. Upon a proposal by Culture and Tourism Ministry of Turkey, the year 2007 was proposed as the "International Rumi year" to UNESCO. UNESCO issued a medal in his name in association with the 800th anniversary of his birth. This is intended to commemorate Rumi's 800th birthday anniversary which was celebrated all over the world.

Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi was born in 1207 in Balkh, presently Afghanistan. At the age of 21, Rumi settled in the “Turkish Seljuk Empire” where he lived most of his life until he died in Konya , Turkey on 17 December 1273.

He remains one of the greatest thinkers and scholars of islamic civilization. He addressed humanity as a whole : "I do not distinguish between the relative and the stranger."

The world of Mawlana is not exclusive, but is rather the highest state of a human being – namely, a fully evolved human. He offends no one and includes everyone, as a perfect human being who is in search of love, truth and the unity of the human soul.

Mawlana’s very broad appeal, highly advanced thinking, humanism and open heart and mind may derive from his genuinely cosmopolitan character, as during his lifetime he enjoyed exceptionally good relations with people of diverse social, cultural and religious backgrounds. Mawlana was familiar with the core message of all of them and therefore was appreciated by believers of many religions. Most of those scholars who have studied Mawlana admit that there was no more beautiful tribute to Mawlana’s universality than his funeral, a 40-day marathon of grieving attended by distraught and weeping Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and Zoroastrians who mourned in such a manner that one would have believed that Mawlana belonged to each one of them.

He produced five major works of verse and prose. His six-volume poem Masnav-i Manavi (Spiritual Couplets) is considered to be his major work. Divan-ı Kebir (the Great Divan), another work of verse. Fihi Ma Fih (In What’s in it) contains his conversations with the people and his disciples. Majlis-i Sab’a (Seven Sessions), cover his Sermons and Mektubat (letters) compiles his 147 letters to “Seljuk Sultans “ and prominent personalities of the time.

“In generosity and helping others be like a river
In compassion and grace be like the sun
In concealing other’s faults be like a night
In anger and fury be like the dead
In modesty and humility be like the earth
In tolerance be like a sea
Either exist as you are or be as you look ”

In their passion, honesty, and gorgeous imagery, the writings of Mawlana have become a means of connecting directly with the Divine. His works, thoughts and teachings bear supreme witness, in a manner transcending all national, cultural and civilizational boundaries, to the sweet mysteries of divine truth. His religious thought and understanding is an exemplary manifestation of a transcendental school of the divine message.

“Come!.. Whatever you may be, come no matter what…
Whether you are an infidel, a fire worshipper or an idolater…
Whether you have foresworn a hundred times,
Whether a hundred times you have broken your oath…
This door here is no door for despair;
Come as you are !”

The main theme and message of Rumi's thoughts and teachings is the love of God and his creatures. The focus of his philosophy is humanity and his objective is to achieve and to help others reach the state of perfect human being . He founded the Mevlevi mystic order, commonly known as the “whirling dervishes” and created the Sema rite, a ritualistic sacred dance to symbolically seek the divine truth and maturity. Rumi's message and teachings continue to inspire people from all religions and cultures today and show us how to live together in peace and harmony.

It is significant that Mevlevi Sema Ceremony was proclaimed by the UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” in 2005. In other words, Sema ceremony, symbolic and unique expression of the Rumi's teachings is listed among the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

In recognition of the conformity of Rumi's message with the objectives and mission of UNESCO, upon the proposal by Turkey together with Afghanistan and Egypt, the 33rd UNESCO General Conference decided to associate UNESCO with celebrations of the 800th anniversary of the birth of Rumi in 2007. A commemorative medal was also issued by UNESCO on the same occasion.

In June and September 2007 Turkey, Afghanistan and Iran jointly celebrated the occasion at the UN and UNESCO Headquarters in New York and Paris, respectively, with a series of events comprising a programme including a panel discussion, “Sema Ceremony”and an exhibition on the vision and works of Rumi.

Additionally the Turkish Government hosted an International Symposium on Rumi from 8-12 May 2007 in Istanbul and Konya where hundreds of prominent personalities, academics, researchers who has the expertise on Rumi's philosophy gathered together and shared their knowledge.

A special programme of mystic Mevlevi music, Sema ceremonies by the whirling dervishes, lectures and exhibitions were held in a number of major cities in Turkey and around the world. A commemorative stamp and a commemorative coin was issued for the same occasion by the Turkish Postal Administration.

Rumi's vision and message of love, peace and harmony among humanity has never been more relevant. The 800th anniversary of his birth in 2007, grants us the opportunity to remember and practice this vision and message.