Frequently Asked Questions About Mevlevi Order

The advice of Rumi, whom the whole world speaks of with respect, has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries and continues to this day. His philosophical view of all times, which embraces and influences the universe, considers him immortal. Especially his work Mesnevi is at the top of the bestselling books list in the world, and many nations remember him with respect. We have compiled for you what you wonder about Mevlevi order, which was established after the death of Rumi in order to transfer its philosophy to future generations.

Who is Rumi? 

Mevlana Muhammed Mustafa Celaleddin-i Rumi was born in 1207 in the city of Belh, Afghanistan. Rumi, who has the identities of poet, Sufi, scholar and theologian, with his shared philosophy, not only affects a nation but also a period. He influenced the whole world and his works are among the most read today. In addition to his works, his spiritual heritage has been respectfully protected by Turks, Greeks, Central Asians, South Asians, Iranians, Tajiks and many other nations for more than seven hundred years.

What is Mevleviyeh? 

Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi is a thinker who devoted his whole life to the search for divine love, tolerance and human love. His conversations with his close circle quickly spread from word of mouth to reach wider audiences. It should be noted that during the time Rumi lived, the concept of Mevleviyeh did not yet exist. It was founded after Mevlana’s death to pass on his teachings and tolerance to future generations. These meetings, which gained a ceremonial character over time, had their own rules along with certain principles of opinion and thought.

How did Mevleviyeh Emerge? 

After Mevlana’s death, Hüsameddin Çelebi, who was both his student and helped write the Mesnevi, ensured that the community did not disperse. Again, during his period, a tomb was built on Mevlana’s grave, and special areas were prepared for the reading of Rumi and semah performances. After Hüsameddin Çelebi’s death, Rumi’s son, Sultan Veled, took over. We can say that he is the founder of the Mevlevi order. In addition to the construction of the sect center during the reign of Sultan Veled, the rules to be applied in Mevlevi lodges were also determined. After Sultan Veled, his son Ulu Arif Çelebi succeeded him. He also played a major role in the spread of Mevlevi order to wider areas.

How Did Mevleviism Develop? 

Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi’s tolerancebased perspective, which encompassed the whole world, developed in Konya and became one of the sects that most influenced society during the Anatolian Principalities period and then the 600-year Ottoman Empire. The center of the Mevlevi dervish lodge is Konya, and it soon became accepted and widespread in Anatolia and other Islamic countries. Mevlevi lodges are established in many places. Mevleviyeh, which continued its influence in society especially after the establishment of the Ottoman State, always found support in Ottoman cities with its approach based on music, poetry and semah. On the other hand, Mevlevi things always stay away from politics. They acted as ambassadors carrying Turkish culture in every new region conquered by the Ottoman Empire and, over time, opened Mevlevi zawiyas in Egypt, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Syria and throughout Europe.

Philosophy of Mevleviyeh 

According to the Sufi belief adopted and spread by Rumi, individual passions should be completely purified and materialism in mortal life is the most harmful element in human relations. Rumi’s basic teaching is humanism and the most important thing throughout life is ‘acting humanely’. In all the works he left behind, he says that loving people is equivalent to loving the entire universe. Mevleviyeh, which emerged after Rumi’s life to spread its knowledge, also has a human-oriented perspective and focuses on tolerance and beauty. It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness. On the other hand, Mevleviyeh has a large share in Sufism, which is shown as Islamic philosophy.