Exploring Rumi’s Enduring Legacy: Sheikha Bodour’s Visit To Mevlâna Museum
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), recently visited the Mevlâna Museum in Konya, Turkey. This museum honours Jalal al-Din Rumi, a revered poet, scholar, and jurist. The visit underscores a commitment to fostering cultural partnerships and celebrating influential Islamic figures like Rumi, whose teachings on tolerance and unity resonate globally.
Upon arrival at the Mevlâna Museum, Sheikha Bodour was warmly received by Uğur İbrahim Altay, Mayor of Konya; Mehmet Yünden, Culture and Tourism Director; and Naci Bakırcı, Museum Director. They guided her through the museum’s halls, known for their iconic turquoise dome. These halls house rare artefacts from the Seljuk and Ottoman eras and items linked to Rumi’s life and legacy.
During her visit, Sheikha Bodour engaged in discussions with the museum’s director about enhancing cultural exchange between the Mevlâna Museum and Sharjah's cultural institutions. They also discussed an upcoming exhibition at Sharjah’s House of Wisdom. This exhibition will highlight Rumi’s life and his quest for tolerance and beauty through his timeless works.
The origins of the Mevlâna Museum date back to a "Rose Garden" once owned by Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Kayqubad. He gifted it to Rumi's father, Baha'uddin Walad. After Rumi's death in 1273, he was buried beside his father in this garden. A conical dome adorned with turquoise tiles was built over his tomb. The museum expanded in 1854 and became known as the "Konya Museum of Ancient Artifacts." It was officially established as the Mevlâna Museum in March 1927.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of rare artefacts from different eras. Among its prized possessions is the "Masnavi," Rumi’s most famous poetic masterpiece. The tour included a visit to the museum’s library, which preserves rare manuscripts dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries.
In honour of Sheikha Bodour's visit, Naci Bakırcı presented her with a rare edition of Rumi's "Masnavi." This six-volume work contains 26,000 verses in Persian, completed by Rumi in his final year. Additionally, she received a rare edition of the "Great Divan," also known as the "Divan of Shams Tabrizi," comprising 42,000 verses written by Rumi in tribute to his mentor Shams al-Din Tabrizi.
Sheikha Bodour’s visit reflects a shared dedication to cultural collaboration and preserving historical legacies. Her discussions with museum officials aim to strengthen ties between Sharjah and Konya through future projects that celebrate Rumi's enduring influence on culture and spirituality worldwide.
With inputs from WAM
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