By Aydin Hizlica, "Peace, fraternity stressed during Şeb-i Arus commemorations" - Today's Zaman - Istanbul, TurkeyFriday, December 19, 2008
A ceremony was held on Wednesday in the city of Konya to mark the 735th anniversary of the death of Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi, with politicians giving messages of unity, fraternity and peace
Konya: The ceremony was attended by many Turkish politicians, including Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal and Minister of Culture and Tourism Ertuğrul Günay, who stressed the importance of dialogue, tolerance, fraternity, peace and unity in their speeches.
The ceremony was held on the occasion of the 735th anniversary of the death of Mevlana, a Sufi saint and founder of the Mevlevi order of Sufi dervishes. Called Şeb-i Arus (the Night of Union), it is not a day of mourning but a day of celebration. Mevlana is most famous in the world for his “Mesnevi” (The Couplets), written originally in Persian.
Prime Minister Erdoğan said Mevlana is a source of pride for everyone. “Today is not the anniversary of the death of Mevlana. It is his day of ‘second birth.’ He regarded death as a re-birth,” Erdoğan noted.
He also expressed being disturbed by the association of Islam with terror in Western countries.
“Mosques, churches and synagogues have for centuries existed side-by-side on this land. Those who are trying to associate Islam with terror today cannot turn a blind eye to this fact. Those who discriminate against others due to language, religion or race cannot deny the Islamic tolerance of difference. I call on those who spread Islamophobia and those who associate Islam with terror to read the books of Mevlana,” he stated.
Erdoğan indicated that the world is now in need of Mevlana’s philosophy more than ever.
“People who are trying to shape today’s world with bombs and tanks bring nothing to humanity other than blood and tears. Understanding based on force and violence cause deep splits between civilizations and cultures. They sow seeds of hatred in the hearts of people. Such an understanding that does not allow others the right to exist have to change and renew,” he stated.
Baykal said the fire of Mevlana has warmed the souls of people for 735 years.
“Thousands of people in various countries gather around Mevlana through associations. Mevlana is highly respected by representatives of other religions as well; however, there are people who are attempting to slander Islam through terror and violence. The power to stand against these people is Mevlana, with his affection and tolerance towards all humanity,” he noted.
Baykal also expressed the opinion that Turkey is the place where Islam prevails in the most free, advanced and rational manner.
Günay also delivered a speech at the event and said the world needs Mevlana’s messages of peace.
“It is a great thing to see that the love and respect for Mevlana has continued to increase over the years. The differences between ethnicities and beliefs disappear before the unity and beauty of all the creatures of the creator. Mevlana illuminates the path of feelings and ideas we need today,” he noted.
A ceremony was held on Wednesday in the city of Konya to mark the 735th anniversary of the death of Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi, with politicians giving messages of unity, fraternity and peace
Konya: The ceremony was attended by many Turkish politicians, including Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal and Minister of Culture and Tourism Ertuğrul Günay, who stressed the importance of dialogue, tolerance, fraternity, peace and unity in their speeches.
The ceremony was held on the occasion of the 735th anniversary of the death of Mevlana, a Sufi saint and founder of the Mevlevi order of Sufi dervishes. Called Şeb-i Arus (the Night of Union), it is not a day of mourning but a day of celebration. Mevlana is most famous in the world for his “Mesnevi” (The Couplets), written originally in Persian.
Prime Minister Erdoğan said Mevlana is a source of pride for everyone. “Today is not the anniversary of the death of Mevlana. It is his day of ‘second birth.’ He regarded death as a re-birth,” Erdoğan noted.
He also expressed being disturbed by the association of Islam with terror in Western countries.
“Mosques, churches and synagogues have for centuries existed side-by-side on this land. Those who are trying to associate Islam with terror today cannot turn a blind eye to this fact. Those who discriminate against others due to language, religion or race cannot deny the Islamic tolerance of difference. I call on those who spread Islamophobia and those who associate Islam with terror to read the books of Mevlana,” he stated.
Erdoğan indicated that the world is now in need of Mevlana’s philosophy more than ever.
“People who are trying to shape today’s world with bombs and tanks bring nothing to humanity other than blood and tears. Understanding based on force and violence cause deep splits between civilizations and cultures. They sow seeds of hatred in the hearts of people. Such an understanding that does not allow others the right to exist have to change and renew,” he stated.
Baykal said the fire of Mevlana has warmed the souls of people for 735 years.
“Thousands of people in various countries gather around Mevlana through associations. Mevlana is highly respected by representatives of other religions as well; however, there are people who are attempting to slander Islam through terror and violence. The power to stand against these people is Mevlana, with his affection and tolerance towards all humanity,” he noted.
Baykal also expressed the opinion that Turkey is the place where Islam prevails in the most free, advanced and rational manner.
Günay also delivered a speech at the event and said the world needs Mevlana’s messages of peace.
“It is a great thing to see that the love and respect for Mevlana has continued to increase over the years. The differences between ethnicities and beliefs disappear before the unity and beauty of all the creatures of the creator. Mevlana illuminates the path of feelings and ideas we need today,” he noted.
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