Mawlana's Relationship with and Influence on the Seljuk Sultans

Abstract

Mawlana Jalal al-Din Rumi was a Sufi scholar and mystic who engaged in Islamic education and teaching during the reigns of the Seljuks of Rum, namely Ghiyath al-Din Kaykhusraw II, Izz al-Din Kaykawus II, and Rukn al-Din Kilij Arslan IV. After beginning his spiritual guidance activities, he communicated directly and indirectly with Seljuk state officials. In his conversations and letters, he admonished sultans and statesmen, advising them to base their actions on mercy, justice, and goodness, and to work for the benefit of the people and the state. This article aims to draw attention to research on Mawlana’s relations with the Seljuk sultans, raise awareness, provide insights, and offer a new perspective on the subject. It is significant for highlighting some lesser-known aspects of Mawlana and for explaining how he interacted with Seljuk rulers. In addition to offering a fresh interpretation of previous studies, the article is original in its focus on the fundamental philosophy of Mawlana’s relations with the Seljuk sultans and his influence on them. This study seeks to reveal how Mawlana’s advice, warnings, and recommendations were reflected in the actions of the Seljuk rulers.

Affiliated Institutions

• Afyon Kocatepe University TR

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