The Story of Rumi: From Balkh to the World.

More than 800 years ago, in 1207, a child named Jalal al-Din Muhammad was born in the historic region of Balkh, in present-day Afghanistan. Today, he is known as Mawlana Balkhi—or Rumi. As a young boy, Rumi left Balkh with his family during a time of great unrest. After a long journey through the Muslim world, they eventually settled in Konya, in present-day Turkey. Rumi grew up to become a respected Islamic scholar, teacher and spiritual guide, but his life changed forever when he met a wandering teacher named Shams of Tabriz. Shams taught Rumi that true knowledge is not found only in books—it must also be felt in the heart. Their friendship awakened a deep spiritual love within Rumi. Then, one day, Shams disappeared. Heartbroken, Rumi searched for his beloved friend, but eventually he realized that the light he had found through Shams was now living within his own heart. His sorrow turned into poetry, and Rumi began writing about love, faith, separation and the soul’s journey toward Allah. His greatest works, including the Masnavi and the Divan of Shams, continue to inspire people around the world. Rumi passed away in Konya in 1273, but his message still lives today: love can transform pain into wisdom, bring people together and guide the human heart toward its Creator. Born in Balkh, remembered in Konya and loved throughout the world—this is the story of Mawlana Jalal al-Din Muhammad Balkhi.