Different Thought Groups Unite in Rumi’s Honor

President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Republican People’s Party leader Deniz Baykal; however, cancelled their attendance at the ceremony in Konya at the last minute. Sezer, who attended a memorial ceremony for Haci Bektasi Veli in the Nevsehir town of Hacibektas two days ago, could not attend the Seb-i Arus, reportedly, due to health problems. Baykal said he was unable to attend due to budget debate preparations.

Sezer, conveying a message to the ceremony, said that Rumi’s thoughts were still significant today. He said, "the participation of various countries at the memorial ceremony, which bring people together in the spirit of tolerance in Konya, is a reflection of Rumi’s respected character and unifying qualities."

In a speech at the ceremony, Prime Minister Erdogan stressed that the philosophy of Rumi was not an ideology but a teaching. He said Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi’s thoughts were an eternal source of resilience for life’s hardships, particularly for suffering people.

"Millions of people in the world belonging to different religions are trying to understand and comprehend him. Wherever you are in the world, you realize that the Mevlana was there before you," said Erdogan.

"According to Rumi’s eternal teachings, the universe is an extension of the human being. The human being is at the center of everything. To feel real happiness in a hardened world that wakes up everyday to new developments and quarrels can be achieved through the Mevlana’s teachings," continued Erdogan.

He expressed that dictatorship and minority groups were at the heart of all wars and conflict in the world and that this could be overcome with the Mevlana’s tolerance.

Elaborating on the Mevlana’s saying, "If you have a mind, consult with another mind," the Prime said a single mind or thought should not be made absolute.