2007 Declared ‘International Rumi Year’

Anadolu News Agency (AA)

Konya, Wednesday, March 08, 2006

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), evaluating the Culture and Tourism Ministry’s offer, has decided to commemorate the 800th birthday of Mevlana Jalaladdin-i Rumi, a prominent mystic of Islam, in all member countries.

Turkish Undersecretary of Culture and Tourism, Professor Mustafa Isen announced Tuesday that they presented a proposal to UNESCO suggesting a global celebration in 2007 for Rumi’s 800th birthday.

« Our proposal was responded positively, » Isen said, « So, 2007 was announced as, « International Rumi Year ».

The ministry pays a great deal of attention to the works, and in line with these works, the « Activities Commemorating Rumi » will be performed in Konya, and will be expanded throughout the year and the rest of world.

The International Rumi Association President and Mevlana’s 22nd generation grandchild, Faruk Celebi also said UNESCO’s decision to include Mevlevi culture among world cultural heritages in 2007 is a positive move.

He also noted that they received support from Iran and Afghanistan. Director of Mevlana Center for Research and Practice (SUMAM) at Selcuk University, Associate Professor Nuri Simsekler said, it is an important step in terms of imparting Rumi and Mevlevi culture to the next generation without degeneration.