Shams Tabrizi: Rumi’s Spiritual Mentor

The most significant turning point in Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi's life was his meeting with Shams Tabrizi. Prior to this encounter, Mevlana had been focused on giving lectures and sermons in madrasahs and mosques, but his life took a transformative shift after meeting Shams.

Shams Tabrizi’s Tomb and Masjid are located next to each other in a large park to the east of Konya’s Alaeddin Hill. The tomb follows the classical Seljuk style and is covered with a lead roof. Beneath the dome rests a large sarcophagus, believed to hold the body of Shams Tabrizi. As a key figure in Mevlana Rumi’s intellectual life, the Tomb and Masjid of Shams Tabrizi are among the most visited sites in Konya.

Shams Tabrizi was a mystic and historical figure, widely known for being the spiritual mentor and companion of the poet Rumi. Born in Tabriz, present-day Iran, around the 12th century, Shams is thought to have been a wandering dervish, traveling the Middle East in search of spiritual enlightenment and sharing his wisdom.

Shams and Rumi are believed to have met in Konya in the 13th century, and their deep bond and spiritual connection have become legendary. Shams is credited with inspiring Rumi’s renowned poetry, which delves into profound spiritual and philosophical themes. Works such as the "Masnavi" and the "Divan-e Shams" are dedicated to Shams Tabrizi.

Although Shams Tabrizi’s life and teachings remain shrouded in mystery, his legacy endures through Rumi’s works and those of other Sufi poets influenced by his wisdom. Revered in Sufi tradition, Shams’ teachings continue to inspire spiritual seekers worldwide.