International Rumi Year - 800th anniversary of the birth of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Belhi-Rumi (Maulānā Jalāl-ud-Dīn Balkhī Rūmī), poet and philosopher (1207-1273)

Mawlānā Jalāl-ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhi (Rūmī) (Persian: مولانا جلال الدین محمد رومی, Turkish: Mevlânâ Celâleddin Mehmed Rumi, Arabic: جلال الدين الرومي, shortened to إبن الرومي), also known as Mawlānā Jalāl-ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhī (Persian: محمد بلخى), but known to the English-speaking world simply as Rumi, (September 30, 1207–December 17, 1273), was a 13th century Afghan (Tājīk) Muslim poet, jurist, and theologian. His name literally means "Majesty of Religion", Jalal means "majesty" and Din means "religion". Rumi is a descriptive name meaning "the Roman" since he died in Anatolia which was part of the Eastern Roman Empire two centuries before.

Rumi was born in Balkh (in present-day Afghanistan, then a city of Greater Khorasan in Persia) and died in Konya (in present-day Turkey). His birthplace and native language/local dialogue indicates a Tajik (Persian) heritage. He also wrote his poetry in Persian and his works are widely read in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and in translation in Turkey, Azerbaijan, the US, and South Asia. He lived most of his life in, and produced his works under, the Seljuk Empire. Aside from his Persian poetry, he also wrote some verses in Arabic, Greek, and Oghuz Turkish.

Rumi's importance is considered to transcend national and ethnic borders. Throughout the centuries he has had a significant influence on Persian as well as Urdu and Turkish literatures. His poems are widely read in the Persian speaking countries of Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan and have been widely translated into many of the world's languages in various formats.

After Rumi's death, his followers founded the Mevlevi Order, better known as the "Whirling Dervishes," who believe in performing their worship in the form of dance and music ceremony called the sema. (continua aqui)

"I died a mineral, and became a plant. I died a plant and rose an animal. I died an animal and I was man. Why should I fear? When was I less by dying?"

"Do you think I know what I'm doing? That for one breath or half-breath I belong to myself? As much as a pen knows what it's writing, or the ball can guess where it's going next"

"I used to want buyers for my words. Now I wish someone would buy me away from words. I've made a lot of charmingly profound images. Scenes with Abraham, and Abraham's father, Azar, who was also famous for icons. I'm so tired of what I've been doing. Then one image without form came and I quit. Look for someone else to tend the shop. I'm out of the image-making business. Finally I know the freedom of madness. A random image arrives. I scream "Get out!". It desintegrates. Only love. Only the holder the flag fits into and wind. No flag". (trad. Coleman Barks/John Moyne)

(2007)