Rumi's Timeless Wisdom Continues to Attract Global Attention

Sufi philosopher Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, whose profound thoughts have resonated worldwide, continues to capture the attention of people from all walks of life, bolstered by contributions from globally renowned figures.

According to Professor Nuri Şimşekler, director of the Mevlana Studies Institute at Selçuk University, the influence of Rumi gradually expanded from the Ottoman Empire to Europe, the United States, and the Far East over time. Şimşekler emphasized that this global interest is not the result of a marketing campaign or promotional effort.

"Mevlana was a figure who spoke to humanity and shared insights about ourselves," Şimşekler said. He pointed out that despite the modern world being saturated with various communication tools, contemporary individuals often hear voices from across the globe but struggle to listen to their own inner voice. Rumi’s teachings, which encourage individuals to "listen to yourself," "hear yourself," and "read yourself," guide people toward self-reflection and self-awareness.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of "reading Mevlana" or "reading the Mesnevi," according to Şimşekler. He noted that this newfound interest is widespread, attracting people from various backgrounds to Rumi's philosophy. For instance, renowned artists like Madonna have read Rumi’s poetry and even created songs inspired by his words. Additionally, singer Beyoncé named one of her twin children "Rumi." Several well-known artists in Turkey have also named their children after Rumi, sparking curiosity and prompting others to ask, "What is this? Let me read Mevlana, too."

Şimşekler views this trend positively, encouraging more people to explore Rumi’s wisdom. He also highlighted that the younger generation’s growing interest in Rumi is largely driven by digital platforms, which present his ideas in accessible and engaging ways, often through popular media.

Rumi’s words and philosophy have always been a guiding light for society, and his teachings are especially relevant today. Şimşekler pointed out that in the 13th century, when Rumi lived, Anatolia was torn by wars, sibling conflicts, and the Mongol invasion from the East. This chaotic environment makes Rumi’s unifying messages even more significant. In today's world, facing similar divisions, Rumi’s words continue to resonate, which is why they still capture so much attention.