In a momentous display of cultural diplomacy and reverence for Islamic heritage, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurroq), recently embarked on a captivating visit to the Mevlana Museum in Konya, Turkey. This iconic museum, which stands as a testament to the profound legacy of Jalal al – Din Rumi, poet, scholar, and spiritual guide, was the Backdrop for a significant cultural exchange between Sharjah and Konya.
The visit, steeped in symbolism and mutual respect, highlights Sheikha Bodour’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural partnerships and her dedication to honoring historical figures whose teachings transcend time and borders. Rumi, whose timeless messages of love, tolerance, and unity continue to inspire millions, represents a beacon of spiritual and intellectual thought, making the Melvana Museum a fitting stage for this important cultural engagement.
A Warm Welcome and a Spiritual Pilgrimage. Upon her arrival in Konya, Sheikha Bodour was warmly received by Ugur Ibrahim, Mayor of Konya; Mehmet Yunden, the city’s Culture and Tourism Director; and Naci Bakirci, Director of the Mevlana Museum. Their welcome set the tone for a visit that would be both enlightening and deeply personal, as Sheikha Bodour toured the museum’s storied halls under the iconic turquoise dome – a symbol of Rumi’s eternal presence in the hearts of his followers.
The museum, a treasure trove of artefacts from the Seljuk and Ottoman eras, offered Sheikha Bodour a rare opportunity to view relics intimately connected to Rumi’s life and teachings. Among these were manuscripts, personal belongings, and sacred texts, each offering a glimpse into the depth of Rumi’s spiritual journey and his quest for divine love. The centerpiece of the museum’s collection is the “Masnavi”, Rumi’s six-volume poetic masterpiece, revered as one of the greatest spiritual works in Islamic history. Its verses, steeped in mysticism and philosophical wisdom, continue to inspire readers across the world.
A Dialogue of Cultural Exchange. Beyond the artifacts, the visit also served as a platform for meaningful dialogue on the potential for collaboration between the Mevlana Museum and Sharjah’s cultural institutions. In her discussion with museum director Naci Bakirci, Sheikha Bodour explored avenues for strengthening cultural exchange and creating shared exhibition that celebrate Rumi’s intellectual and spiritual legacy.
Central to these discussions was the upcoming inhibition to be hosted at Sharjah’s House of Wisdom, a cutting-edge cultural and knowledge hub. The exhibition will illuminate Rumi’s life, his timeless quest for the essence of beauty, and his messages of tolerance – universal themes that resonate with the cultural vision Sharjah has championed under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour. This exhibition will serve as a bridge between the two cities, fostering greater appreciation for Islamic art, culture, and spirituality.
Honoring Rumi’s Literary Legacy. In a tribute to the importance of the Sharjah delegation’s visit, Naci Bakirci presented Sheikha Bodour with an exquisitely reproduced edition of Rumi’s “Masnavi”, a monumental six-volume work comprising over 26,000 verses in Persian. This rare edition, meticulously crafted to preserve the sanctity of Rumi’s words, was a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of his poetry. Additionally, Sheikha Bondour was honoured with a rare edition of the “Great Divion” or “Divan of Shams Tabrizi”, a profound collection of 42,000 verses penned by Rumi in tribute to his mentor and beloved companion, Shams al – Din Tabrizi.
These gifts, deeply rooted in the Sufi tradition of love and spiritual enlightenment, are not only valuable literary treasures but also symbols of the deep cultural ties between Sharjah and Konya.
The Mevlana Museum: A Beacon of Islamic Art and Spirituality. The Mevlana Museum, with its elegant turquoise dome and its historical significance, traces its origins to a rose garden once owned by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Kayquabad. This garden was gifted to Rumi’s father, Baha’uddin Walad, and became Rumi’s final resting place upon his passing in 1273. The serene garden, now a place of pilgrimage, is adorned with a conical dome of turquoise tiles, a testament to the beauty of Islamic architecture and the reverence for Rumi’s life and teachings.
What began as a humble resting place for Rumi evolved over centuries into a museum of international renown. In 1927, it was officially established as the Mevlana Museum, preserving not only the life of Rumi but also the spiritual and cultural legacy of the Seljuk and Ottoman eras.
A Shared Vision of Tolerance and Beauty. Sheikha Bodour’s visit to the Mevlana Museum is a reflection of her dedication to preserving and promoting Islamic culture and its timeless values. Rumi’s tracing of unity, love, and tolerance align with Sharjah’s broader cultural mission, as seen through initiatives such as the House of Wisdom and Emirate’s commitment to fostering dialogue across civilizations.
As Sharjah continues to build on tis rich cultural legacy, this visit marks a significant step toward deepening ties with international institutions that share its vision. The collaboration between the Mevlana Museum and Sharjah’s cultural promises to bring new opportunities for knowledge sharing and cultural enrichment, ensuring that Rumi’s messages of peace and beauty continue to resonate across generations and broader.
In honoring the legacy of Jalal al – Din Rumi, Sheikha Bodour’s visit to Knoya was more than a symbolic gesture – it was a powerful reaffirmation of the enduring connections between past and present, tradition and innovation, and between the spiritual heart of Konya and the cultural soul of Sharjah.
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