The Formation of the Dīvān-i Kabīr: A Life Set to Melody
Mawlānā Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī’s Dīvān-i Kabīr expresses much more than merely a collection of poetry; it is a vivid mirror of Mawlānā’s inner world, his spiritual journey, and his responses to events. The formation of the work took shape through the compilation of poems spoken by Mawlānā over many years and across different periods of his life, gathered by his students and scribes (kātib-i asrār, the scribe of secrets). This circumstance has led to repetitions or inconsistencies in some sections of the Dīvān, as these poems, born in reaction to different events, became intermingled over time. Yet it is precisely this diversity and complexity that contains important clues inviting a profound study of the work.
The Influence of Shams-i Tabrīzī: The Opening of the Heart’s Garden
One of the turning points in Mawlānā’s life was his encounter with Shams-i Tabrīzī. This meeting redirected Mawlānā from the pursuit of academic and religious knowledge toward a journey into the sovereignty of the heart. Under the influence of Shams, a marked transformation is observed in Mawlānā’s poetry; themes that transcend the limits of reason, such as love, tawba (repentance), and divine love, come to the fore. In the ghazals written during this period, the admiration felt for Shams and the pain of his absence are expressed in a profound manner. This section of the Dīvān-i Kabīr stands as concrete evidence of Mawlānā’s spiritual maturation and the opening of his inner world.
The Deep Layers of Poetry: Events and Symbols
Many poems in the Dīvān-i Kabīr refer to specific events or individuals. For example, the ghazals written for the funeral of the goldsmith Salāh al-Dīn express the sorrow of loss and the universality of death; while poems spoken while observing a mill prompt reflection on the cyclical nature of life and human effort. These references to events enrich the meaning of the poetry while also illuminating the social and cultural context in which Mawlānā lived. Additionally, objects such as the rebab are laden with symbolic meanings; the sound of the rebab represents the cries within the human soul and the call of divine love. Mawlānā’s poetry is filled with such symbols, inviting the reader on a journey of deep contemplation.
Translation and Transmission: The Legacy of Abdülbaki Gölpınarlı
Abdülbaki Gölpınarlı’s role is significant in the understanding and transmission of Mawlānā’s works to the present day. He is among the leading literary historians and orientalists of the twentieth century. His translations from the original Persian have brought Mawlānā’s thoughts and poetry to wide audiences. Thanks to Gölpınarlı’s meticulous work, the profound meanings and subtleties of the Dīvān-i Kabīr have found the opportunity to reach today’s readers. This legacy of his is of vital importance for keeping Mawlānā’s teachings alive and transmitting them to future generations.