Sheikha Bodour explores Rumi’s legacy in Turkey's Mevlana museum

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has visited the Mevlâna Museum in the Turkish city of Konya — a place where the spirit of the iconic poet, scholar, and jurist Jalal al-Din Rumi still lingers. The visit reflects a deep and shared commitment to fostering cultural partnerships with distinguished institutions and honouring the legacy of influential Islamic figures like Rumi, whose teachings of tolerance and unity continue to inspire across cultures.

Upon her arrival at the Mevlâna Museum, Sheikha Bodour was graciously welcomed by Uğur İbrahim Altay, the Mayor of Konya; Mehmet Yünden, the city's Culture and Tourism Director; and Naci Bakırcı, the Museum Director. She was then guided through the museum’s halls, distinguished by their iconic turquoise dome. These halls are home to an impressive collection of rare artifacts and relics from the Seljuk and Ottoman eras, as well as items intricately tied to Rumi’s life and profound intellectual and spiritual legacy. Among the museum’s prized possessions is the “Masnavi” – Rumi’s most renowned poetic masterpiece. The tour also included the museum’s library, where a rich archive of rare manuscripts and books, dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, is preserved.

As part of the visit, Sheikha Bodour held discussions with the museum’s director to explore opportunities for strengthening cultural exchange and future collaboration between the Mevlâna Museum and cultural institutions in Sharjah. The discussion also included preparations for an exhibition to be held later this year at Sharjah’s House of Wisdom. This exhibition will shed light on the luminous facets of Jalaluddin Rumi’s life, showcasing his enduring quest for the essence of tolerance and beauty – universal themes that resonate through his timeless works.

Sheikha Bodour with dignitaries at the event.

In a heartfelt tribute to the Sharjah delegation, Bakırcı gifted Sheikha Bodour a rare and meticulously reproduced edition of Rumi's “Masnavi.” This six-volume masterpiece, comprising 26,000 verses in Persian, was completed by Rumi in the final year of his life. Additionally, Sheikha Bodour was honoured with a rare edition of the "Great Divan," also known as the "Divan of Shams Tabrizi". This profound collection of 42,000 verses was penned by Rumi in homage to his cherished companion and mentor, Shams al-Din Tabrizi.

The origins of the Mevlâna Museum trace back to a "Rose Garden" once owned by Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Kayqubad, who bestowed it upon Rumi's father, Baha'uddin Walad. Following Rumi's passing in 1273, he was laid to rest beside his father in this cherished garden. A conical dome, elegantly embellished with turquoise tiles and ceramics, was erected over his tomb. In 1854, the museum's original structure was expanded with new additions, evolving into a revered site known as the "Konya Museum of Ancient Artifacts." By March 1927, it was formally established as the visitor destination now recognised as the Mevlâna Museum.