House of Wisdom explores Jalal al-Din Rumi’s legacy

As part of the vibrant programme accompanying the ‘Rumi: 750 Years of Absence... Eight Centuries of Presence’ exhibition, running until 14 February, the House of Wisdom (HoW) in Sharjah hosted a panel discussion titled ‘Exploring the Spiritual Dimensions: Sculptures and Exhibitions Inspired by Rumi,’ hosting Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi, journalist and researcher in social, political, and cultural affairs of the Gulf region, and founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation in Sharjah, alongside the internationally acclaimed sculptor Khaled Zaki, to explore how Rumi’s timeless philosophy continues to inspire contemporary art and culture.

The programme also included a mesmerising poetry evening titled ‘In the Realm of Rumi’s Verses’. It brought together a distinguished lineup of poets, including Shaikha Al-Mutairi, Shahid Thani, Dr. Hassan Al Najjar, Amal Al Suwaidi, Sara Al Nuaimi, Ali Al Shaali, Hessa Al Dahal, and Asma Al Hammadi.

The poets presented works in Arabic and English, drawing inspiration from Rumi’s philosophy and ideas and celebrating his intellectual and cultural legacy.

Opening the cultural evening, Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director HoW, highlighted the significance of reviving Rumi’s creative legacy through the exhibition. She noted that the cultural initiative is part of a broader journey that began in the deserts of Mleiha with the Tanweer Festival and culminated at the HoW with the first-ever showcase of rare artefacts outside Turkey. In November, HoW organised a visit for the poets to the Tanweer Festival and a retreat to explore books on Rumi’s life provided by the Juma Al Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage.

She said: “Organising this exhibition reflects our commitment to celebrating a timeless legacy rooted in the depths of human experience. Tonight’s event marks another milestone in this cultural journey.”

Al Aqroubi also expressed her gratitude to the participating poets and artists for their contribution and to the Juma Al Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage for providing valuable books that inspired the evening’s audience.

ARTWORK PULSING WITH LIFE: During the panel discussion ‘Exploring the Spiritual Dimensions: Sculptures and Exhibitions Inspired by Rumi,’ Al-Qassemi highlighted the contributions of Egyptian artists who captured the essence of Sufi traditions in their work. He pointed to Mahmoud Saeed’s The Dhikr (1936) as a prime example, describing it as a masterpiece that reflects the spiritual depth and artistic expression of Sufism. “Many translate Sufi concepts into words, but artists bring them to life through creations that resonate with the soul.”

He added: “Rumi’s world transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, which explains the universal appeal of his philosophy. Through his poetry and teachings, he conveyed a spiritual message that speaks to people across time and space. With its ability to embody emotions and ideas, art plays a crucial role in delivering this message beyond words, enriching our understanding of Rumi’s global legacy.”

RUMI’S PHILOSOPHY CAPTURED IN SCULPTURE: Renowned sculptor Khaled Zaki shared his journey into Sufism: “After encountering the Whirling Dervishes, I delved deeper into Sufism. My connection to solitude aligns with Sufi practices, and one verse that profoundly impacted me is: ‘Don’t grieve over your wound... for how else can light enter you?’ I reflected this in works like Man at Rest and The Wise Man, embodying wisdom from within the sculpted figure. At the same time, the creation of sculptures demands patience to convey this wisdom.”

Explaining how Rumi’s teachings influenced his art, Zaki noted: “Most of my Sufi-inspired creations are marked by stillness and introspection, reflecting the tranquillity of Sufi spirituality. I adopt simplicity and humility in my sculptures, avoiding ornamentation, which mirrors the asceticism of Sufism. Additionally, I aim for abstraction that allows diverse cultures to interpret and find meaning in my pieces, much like Rumi’s poetry transcends cultural boundaries. This approach has made my work highly sought after in European countries, where viewers find a resonance of spirituality and cultural diversity that aligns with their personal experiences.”