Who threatens Rumi’s heritage?
The decision by the Konya Provincial Culture Directorate to remove a 1,000-year-old pool from the Mevlana Museum's garden is an assault on Rumi’s heritage.
Last week, Istanbul hosted the “Seb-i Arus” celebration, in honor of the 13th century poet, mystic and master of the Mevlevi Sufi order, Mawlana Jalaleddin Rumi. Politicians of the highest ranks including Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and foreign diplomats joined the annual celebration. Spiritual music accompanied recitals of Mevlevi philosophy, while dervishes performed the “Sema,” or whirling ritual. On Dec. 17, a magnificent closing night of “Seb-i Arus” is expected to take place in Konya, one which will see Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in attendance.
Since Rumi believed that death is birth into a new life and reunion with God, the anniversary of his death became the annual occasion for a birthday celebration. Hence, the name of the celebration "Seb-i Arus," which means wedding night, or when lovers unite.
