Third int’l conference on Rumi studies begins in Isfahan

The third international conference on Rumi studies opened at the University of Isfahan, in Iran, on November 16.

The conference will continue until December 15, 2020, holding weekly and specialized meetings, IRNA reported.

The event is aimed at providing the latest research achievements by language specialists and scholars of Persian literature on the thoughts and works of the Persian poet, jurist, theologian and Sufi mystic, Jalal ed-Din Mohammad Balkhi, better known as Maulavi or Rumi.

This conference is being held in three parts: “Scientific innovations,” including the principles of Rumi’s thoughts; Rumi and Shams Tabrizi, “criticism and analysis of Rumi’s works,” including art, literature, and psychology; and “Rumi research in the field of international community,” which entails Rumi studies in China, Bangladesh, India, the Balkan region and Arab countries.

A total of 14 meetings and 56 speeches will be delivered at the conference, with the presentation of the latest scientific findings on Rumi studies.

Rumi’s influence extends beyond national borders and ethnic divisions. Iranians, Tajiks, Turks, Greeks, Pashtuns, other Central Asian Muslims, and Southeast Asian Muslims have been heavily influenced by the Persian poet’s spiritual heritage over the past centuries.

Rumi made one or two journeys to Syria, during one of which he met Shams.

However, he was deeply influenced by Shams during their second visit in Konya, Turkey, in 1244 CE.

For months, the two men constantly interacted, and as a result, Rumi neglected his disciples and family, who could not tolerate the close relationship.

One night in 1247, Shams disappeared forever. This experience turned Rumi into a poet. ‘The Divan of Shams’ is a true translation of his experiences in poetry.