 |
| |
 |
|
|
|
Mawlana Jalal-ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, known
to the English-speaking world simply as
Rumi, (September 30, 1207–December
17, 1273), was a 13th century Persian poet,
Islamic jurist, and theologian. Rumi is
a descriptive name meaning "the Roman"
since he lived most parts of his life in
Anatolia which had been part of the Byzantine
Empire two centuries before.
Konya is a city in Central Anatolia in Turkey
which has protected its name for centuries.
Legend says that Perseus killed a dragon that
had been ravaging the town. The people set up
a special monument to honor him, a stone obelisk
with an icon of Perseus carved in it. This event
gave the city it's name, Ikonyon, Ikonyum, Iconium.
However, among Muslims, another legend is
told. Two dervishes, friends of Allah, were
making an excursion through the skies from
the far away countries of Horasan toward the
west. When they flew over the lands of central
Anatolia, one asked the other, "Shall
I land?" ("Konayim mi?"). The
other answered, "Sure, land." ("Kon
ya!") So, they landed and founded the
city of Konya.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
