Kütahya commemorates 819th anniversary of Mevlana's birth

The 819th birth anniversary of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, known as Hazreti Mevlana, was commemorated in Kütahya, Turkey. Organized by the Kütahya Mevlana Research Culture and Art Association, the event took place in front of the historic Ulu Mosque.

The program included prayers for Rumi, his descendants, and Mevlevi elders. Following the prayers, food and ayran were distributed to citizens. Tekin Uğurel, President of the Association, emphasized the importance of passing Rumi’s messages to future generations and noted Kütahya’s historical significance as a center for Mevlevi culture, having hosted Rumi’s descendants such as Ergun Çelebi.

Prof. Dr. Süleyman Kızıltoprak, Rector of Kütahya Dumlupınar University, highlighted that Kütahya serves as the third largest stop for Mevlevism after Konya and Afyon. He noted that Rumi’s teachings on love, compassion, and humility remain relevant today and expressed the university's goal of fostering compassionate and measured individuals.