Mevlana’s Life and Personality
Mevlānā Jalāl al-Dīn-i Rūmī is one of the most important thinkers and poets of the 13th century. Born in the city of Balkh in Khwarezm, Mevlana settled in the lands of the Seljuks due to the migrations undertaken by his father for political reasons, and spent most of his life in Konya. After the death of his father, he inherited his legacy, undertaking significant responsibilities in the religious sphere, and illuminated humanity with his philosophical depth and literary richness. Mevlana’s life is an epic story of a spiritual quest, the pursuit of love, and divine wisdom.
The Formation and Structure of the Divan-i Kebir
The Divan-i Kebir is the collection of poems uttered by Mevlana over the years, enriched with expressions not only in Persian but also in Arabic, Turkish, and Greek. These poems were compiled by those close to Mevlana, especially by scribes known as ‘kātib al-asrār’ (scribes of secrets), thus forming the Divan-i Kebir. The work includes various poetic forms, from ghazals to mathnawis, and presents a world filled with Sufi (taṣawwuf) elements, love for humanity, and the mysteries of the universe. Thanks to the efforts of esteemed researchers such as Abdülbâki Gölpınarlı, the work has reached us today and is regarded as one of the most important works of Turkish literature.
Thematic Richness of the Divan-i Kebir: Love, Philosophy, and Ethics
The Divan-i Kebir is not merely a collection of poetry, but also the concrete embodiment of profound philosophical and ethical teachings. In the work, love is treated across a broad spectrum, from divine love to love for humanity, while themes such as self-knowledge, understanding the universe, and drawing closer to one’s Lord also hold significant place. Mevlana’s philosophy emphasizes tolerance, compassion, justice, and humility; it counsels embracing humanity beyond all forms of discrimination. The Divan-i Kebir has, for centuries, inspired its readers, taken them on a spiritual journey, and reminded them of moral values—a most precious legacy.