800th anniversary of the birth of Mawlana Jalal-ud-Din Balkhi-Rumi (Mevlana Celaleddin Belhī Rūmī), poet and philosopher (1207-1273)
The prominent Persian language poet, thinker and spiritual master Mawlana Jalal-ud-Din Balkhi-Rumi (Mevlana Celaleddin Belhī Rūmī) was born in 1207 in Balkh, presently Afghanistan. He lived almost all of his life in Konya, presently Turkey, and died there in 1273. He remains one of the greatest thinkers and scholars of Islamic civilization. He addressed humanity as a whole:
“I do not distinguish between the relative and the stranger.”
The people of Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey consider him to be their own poet.
Year : 2007
Countries : Afghanistan, Egypt, Turkey and welcomed by the Islamic Republic of Iran
The celebration of this anniversary was proposed to the 33rd session of the General Conference by Afghanistan, Egypt, Turkey and welcomed by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Celebrations :
A UNESCO medal in honour of Mawlana Jalal-ud-Din Balkhi-Rumi will be issued in 2007
Cultural events will be organized by Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey in September 2007 at UNESCO Headquarters.
A block of stamps displaying the UNESCO’s logo will be issued by the Turkish, Iranian and Afghan post offices with the theme of the commemoration of the 800th year of Mawlana’s birth
Link : Unesco
Tickets for Seb-i Aruz Rumi Commemoration Ceremony in Konya
Konya Tours
Day 1 Istanbul:
Arrival in Istanbul, meet and greet Concept Voyages' representative and transfer to hotel. Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul, by any name the city is as glorious. After a short rest departure for Bosphorus Cruise and Egyptian Bazaar tour. Enjoy the Bosphorus Cruise, through the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials and luxurious apartments. This is a relaxing way to take in some major landmarks including the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, the Bosphorus Suspension Bridge and the imposing waterfront villas of Istanbul. We end the tour with a visit to the Rumeli Fortress.
Day 2 Istanbul-Ankara-Cappadoccia:
After breakfast transfer to the airport for early flight to Ankara. The capital of Turkey and one of the fastest growing cities in the world with a history that can be dated back 3000 years. Upon arrival visit the Anatolian Civilizations Museum, which also exhibits the remains of Catalhoyuk. the Neolithic village dating back to 6500 BC. Then visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. After lunch at a local restaurant in Ankara, destination is the mysterious Cappadoccia. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Cappadoccia.
Day 3 Cappadoccia:
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing in this unique corner of the world. Visit to Pigeon Valley and the natural citadel of Uchisar, followed by Goreme Open-Air Museum, which is full of pink, rose and white tapering columns. These tall free standing cones of stone curve and twist as if pulled from earth like taffy. Others are tall like fairy chimneys. The caves were settled in the 4th century as monasteries. Visit some caves on the cliffs to see Byzantine frescoes decorating early Christian churches Kaymakli Underground City; carved out of rock and completely self contained. More than 200 people lived on each of seven floors with the last one 250 feet underground. It is connected to Derinkuyu Underground city by six miles of tunnel. Lunch at a typical restaurant of the region and visit Avanos Village. Time for shopping. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
Day 4 Konya:
After breakfast proceed to Konya. On the way to Konya, visit 13th century Selcuk caravanserai "Sultanhan". Visit the tomb of Mevlana, the great mystic poet and Islamic spiritual leader, who founded the sect of ''Whirling Dervishes''. After lunch continue to Pamukkale, the cotton fortress, which rises above the fertile Menderes Valley. Hot mineral waters burst from the earth and cascade over steep cliffs forming pools, channels and stalactites. The therapeutic waters here were known to founders of the cure city of Hierapolis in 190 BC.. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
Day 5 Cappadocia-Ankara-Istanbul: After breakfast free till transfer to airport to catch the flight to airport for departure.
