2007 is the 800th anniversary of the birth of Mawlana Jalal ud-din Muhammed Rumi, (Mawlana means “our lord”, Jalal means “Majesty”, Din means “religion”) the great humanist, mystic, poet and theologian. It is common knowledge among historians that Rumi was born at a date falling around 30 September 1207 in the greater region of Balkh at present partly in 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 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.
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 (insanı kamil). 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 the UNESCO with celebrations of the 800th anniversary of the birth of Rumi in 2007. A commemorative medal will also be issued by UNESCO on the same occasion, in conformity with the decision of the 175th Session of the Executive Board of the UNESCO, submitted jointly by Turkey, Afghanistan and Iran and supported by 58 member countries of the Board.
In June and September 2007 Turkey, Afghanistan and Iran will jointly celebrate 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 will be hosting an International Symposium on Rumi from 8-12 May 2007 in İstanbul and Konya where hundreds of prominent personalities, academics, researchers who has the expertise on Rumi’s philosophy will gather together and share their knowledge.
A special programme of mystic Mevlevi music, “Sema ceremony”, lectures and exhibitions will be held in a number of major cities from all over the world.
A commemorative stamp and a commemorative coin will be issued for the same occasion by the Turkish Postal Administration and Turkish State Mint respectively. A joint stamp is planned to be issued by the Turkish and Egyptian Postal Administrations.
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.
“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”
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“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!”
http://www.unesco.org.tr/
