Commemoration Event Held in New York for Mevlana Rumi
In honor of the 751st anniversary of Sufi philosopher Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi's passing, a memorial event took place at the Consulate General of Türkiye in New York. The event was organized by the Yunus Emre Institute's U.S. branch and featured a calligraphy exhibition and a Sema performance.
Special Guests Attend the Event
The event, which was held at the Turkish House (Türkevi) in New York, saw the presence of Türkiye's consul general in New York, Ambassador Muhittin Ahmet Yazal, International Mevlana Foundation Board Member Gevher Çelebi, President and CEO of the Japan Society Joshua W. Walker, Director of Yunus Emre Institute U.S. Gökhan Coşkun, and Turkish Airlines (THY) New York Manager Emre Ismailoğlu. The occasion also welcomed local and foreign guests who have a keen interest in the Mevlevi culture.
Focus on Rumi's Teachings
Under the theme "Breath, the Path of Love," the program highlighted Rumi's profound love for God. Gevher Çelebi, in her address, emphasized Rumi's interpretation of the fear of God, portraying it as a sentiment of not wanting to disappoint or upset the beloved, rather than a fear of punishment. She elaborated on how all forms of love in the world serve as conduits to divine love.
Artistic Representation of Rumi's Wisdom
Gökhan Coşkun shared insights on the event, describing how the combination of the Sema performance, exhibition, and speeches breathed life into Rumi's timeless wisdom. He underscored the event's role in fostering cultural connections through the transformative influence of art and spirituality. The Sema performance, set to Sufi music, mesmerized the audience, while the calligraphy exhibition titled "Wings of Love" showcased a fusion of traditional Kufic calligraphy with contemporary artistic expressions. Calligraphy artist Sanaz Alborzi's pieces captivated attendees with their blend of heritage and innovation.
