History of Rumi in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 30, 2025

Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī, known as Rumi, was a 13th-century Persian poet, jurist, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic. Born during the Khwarazmian Empire, his teachings emphasize love, compassion, and the unity of all beings with God. Rumi's poetry, particularly his Masnavi, explores themes of spiritual growth, self-discovery, and the transcendence of the ego through devotion and ecstatic experiences. He founded the Mevlevi Order, known for its whirling dervishes, who practice a form of active meditation. Rumi's work continues to inspire people across cultures and religions.

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Full Timeline Legacy & Impact

December 1925: Law passed closing tekkes

In December 1925, Turkey passed a law to remove religion from public life, closing all tekkes (dervish lodges) and zāwiyas (chief dervish lodges). This dissolved the Sufi Orders, prohibited mystical titles and costumes, seized the Orders' assets, and banned their ceremonies. Penalties were set for re-establishing the Orders.

1927: Mausoleum of Mevlâna reopened as a Museum

In 1927, the Mausoleum of Mevlâna in Konya was allowed to reopen as a Museum two years after the Sufi orders were dissolved.

1974: Whirling Dervishes permitted to travel to the West

In 1974, the Whirling Dervishes received permission for the first time to travel to the West, marking a significant moment for sharing their tradition globally.

1976: Publication of The Sayings of Rumi and Iqbal

In 1976, "The Sayings of Rumi and Iqbal" by Khawaja Abdul Hamid Irfani, Bazm-e-Rumi was published.

1981: Rumi and his mausoleum depicted on banknotes

In 1981, Rumi and his mausoleum were featured on the reverse side of the 5000 Turkish lira banknotes.

1994: Banknote depiction concluded

In 1994, the depiction of Rumi and his mausoleum on the 5000 Turkish lira banknotes came to an end.

2000: Rumi: Past and Present, East and West Published

In 2000, the book "Rumi : Past and Present, East and West: The Life, Teachings, and Poetry of Jalâl al-Din Rumi" by Lewis was published, detailing the life, teachings, and poetry of Rumi.

2001: Documentary Rumi in the Land of Khusrau

In 2001, Indian filmmaker Muzaffar Ali from Lucknow created a documentary titled "Rumi in the Land of Khusrau," which showcases concerts inspired by the works of Rumi and Amir Khusrau, highlighting the parallels in their lives.

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2005: Mevlevi Sama Ceremony proclaimed by UNESCO

In 2005, UNESCO recognized "The Mevlevi Sama Ceremony" of Turkey as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, acknowledging its cultural significance.

September 2007: UNESCO celebrates Rumi's eight hundredth anniversary

In September 2007, UNESCO celebrated the eight hundredth anniversary of Rumi's birth, issuing a medal in his name to encourage research and the dissemination of his ideas, aligning with UNESCO's ideals.

September 2007: Iranian school bells rung in honor of Rumi

On 30 September 2007, Iranian school bells were rung throughout the country to honor Mewlana.

September 2007: Turkey Celebrated Rumi's eight-hundredth birthday

On 30 September 2007, Turkey celebrated Rumi's eight-hundredth birthday with a large Whirling Dervish ritual performance of the samāʿ, which was televised and broadcast live in eight countries.

2010: First volume of Mawlana Rumi Review published

In 2010, the first volume of the Mawlana Rumi Review was published by The Centre for Persian and Iranian Studies at the University of Exeter in collaboration with The Rumi Institute in Nicosia, Cyprus, and Archetype Books in Cambridge.