Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī (1207-1273), commonly known as Rumi, was a 13th-century Persian poet, Sufi mystic, jurist, and theologian. Born in Balkh (present-day Afghanistan or Tajikistan), Rumi spent most of his life in Konya (present-day Turkey), then part of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum. "Rumi" literally means "the Roman," as Anatolia was historically known as the land of Rome. He is also known as Mawlānā/Molānā, meaning "Our Master". Rumi's ethnicity is a subject of debate, with some sources identifying him as Persian/Iranian, while others emphasize his connection to the broader Persian cultural sphere.
Rumi is best known for his mystical poetry, which explores themes of love, longing, and the divine. His major works include the Masnavi-i Ma'navi (Spiritual Couplets) and the Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi. The Masnavi, comprising six books of poetry, is considered one of the most influential works of Sufism. Rumi's encounter with the dervish Shams-e Tabrizi in 1244 profoundly impacted his life and inspired much of his poetry. Following Rumi's death, his followers founded the Mevlevi Order, also known as the Order of the Whirling Dervishes, famous for the Sama ceremony, a Sufi dance. Rumi's tomb in Konya is a place of pilgrimage. His work continues to be celebrated and translated worldwide, transcending national and ethnic divisions.