Hz. Mevlana Seminar

Following the Goethe event, the association held a two-part lecture dedicated to Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi and the first eighteen couplets of the Mesnevi. Dr. Selman Dilek of Ibn Haldun University joined as guest speaker.

Sessions took place on 13 and 17 December 2023 with hybrid participation. In his opening remarks, Ünal Ünalan highlighted Mevlana’s enduring role in shaping cultural values and thanked attendees for their contribution to the evening.

Listen to the reed flute, how it tells a tale of separation; Ever since I was cut from the reed bed, men and women weep at my lament.

Dr. Dilek emphasized the sonic qualities of the ney, likening the breath ‘Hu’ to fire, longing and a cry of the heart. The transformation of reed into ney mirrors the inner refinement of the seeker, reminding listeners that hearing and listening are central senses on the spiritual path.

He also reflected on the significance of the letter ‘bā’ in Sufi tradition and its appearance at the start of the Basmala. The programme concluded with symbolic works presented to guests, including a calligraphy piece crafted for the occasion by Ünal Ünalan.