By Melike Kinaci
KONYA, Turkey
Turkey’s top religious authority on Monday marked the day some eight centuries ago when a legendary Muslim Sufi mystic leaped to his long-sought union with God.
“We are the members of a nation and civilization which knew brotherhood, love
Turkey marks Rumi’s passing in 1273 every year on Dec. 7-17.
Born into a Turkic family in 1207, in what is now Afghanistan, Rumi is one of the most widely read philosophers in the world, with teachings that transcend boundaries of race, color, and religion.
In
Rumi's poem the Masnavi, with more than 50,000 verses, is considered the most influential work in
He penned the poem on man’s predicament in his search for God after losing his friend, the wandering dervish Shams Tabriz.
Upon his death in 1273, Rumi’s followers founded the Mevlevi Order, also known as the Order of the Whirling Dervishes, famous for the Sufi dance known as the Sama ceremony.
Every year, an international commemoration ceremony marking the anniversary of Rumi’s union with God, known as Sheb-i Arus or the night of union, is held in honor of the Muslim scholar.
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