The poetry of the Persian mystic, considered the first Whirling Dervish, is still popular 800 years after his death. Mark Tully considers the reasons for his enduring appeal.
Jalal ad-Din Rumi was a 13th-century Persian poet, theologian and Sufi mystic, whose influence as a writer extended throughout central and southern Asia. Eight hundred years later it extends worldwide. He has been described as the most popular poet in the United States and he is still revered by many in the East.
Mark Tully assesses his contemporary popularity with Coleman Barks, one of Rumi’s pre-eminent American translators and asks why Rumi resonates with so many people of so many nationalities and faiths.
In a programme featuring music from all over the world and readings of some Rumi’s great passionate masterpieces, he presents a portrait of the founder of the Mevlevi Order – also known as the Whirling Dervishes.
The readers are Paapa Essiedu and Emma Pallant.
Presenter: Mark Tully
Producer: Frank Stirling
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4
Last on
Music Played
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Kudsi Erguner
Pesrev
- Unesco.
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Ben Johnston
Quietness
- New World Records.
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Leonard Cohen
Anthem
- Columbia.
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Saffron
Trembling
- Palmetto Records.
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Ludwig van Beethoven & Hungarian Radio and Television Chorus
The Ruins of Athens, IV. "Du hast in deines Ärmels Falten" (feat. Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra)
Readings
Title: The Song Of The Reed
Author: Rumi, tr. Alan Williams
Published by Penguin
Title: I Am Wind You Are Fire
Author: Rumi, tr. Anne Marie Schimmel
Published by Shambhala Publications
Title: Fihi Ma Fihi (it is what it is)
Author: Rumi, tr. Anne Marie Schimmel
Published by Shambhala
Title: The Ecstatic Poet Tradition
Author: D.J. Moores
Published by McFarland Books Ltd.
Broadcasts
- Sun 13 Nov 201606:05BBC Radio 4 FM
- Sun 13 Nov 201623:30BBC Radio 4
- Sun 30 May 202106:05BBC Radio 4
- Sun 30 May 202123:30BBC Radio 4
