Academics introduced Rumi to Canada

By Faruk Arslan

Canadian Intercultural Dialogue Center brought winds of Rumi thoughts to Canada. First one of the three Symposiums on Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi and Inter-cultural and -civilization Dialogue was held at Victoria University in UOF Northrop Frye Hall Room NF003, 73 Queens Park Crescent M5S 1KT on November 3rd 2007 between 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. with international participants. Language of the Symposiums was English and French. Symposiums were organized by Dialog Foundation in Montreal, Canadian Intercultural Dialogue Centre in Toronto, Canadian Institute of interfaith Dialogue in Ottawa.

American, Canadian and Turkish academics put forward Rumi thinking, which develops along the axes of compassion and tolerance, and to apply its contemporary implications for the benefit of all humanity as the goal of this symposium. By doing so, they hoped to contribute to the formation of a new climate of compassion for humankind in our own time. Academics stated that we live in an era which violence, enmity, hatred are increasing throughout the world, an era in which humanity has gradually departed from basic virtues such as compassion, tolerance and, peace. We now found ourselves face to face with a recurrence of threats that marked the Thirteenth Century- the absolute annihilation of humankind, the collapse of civilizations, and violence that spreads the seeds of enmity and hate. At such a time, our need for a sturdy moral and ethical backbone that will establish tolerance and compassion among all humanity is immeasurable. Remarkably, we can find just such a common inspiration, capable of bringing forth humanity pride, the perfection of the human constitution, and its basic spiritual beauty, among the primary sources of our tradition.

The most interesting and excited speech made by Dr. Jill Carrol with her topic called Rumi's Love: What It Is, What It Is Not? who lectures at Rice University, USA. Two dangers of misunderstanding Rumi is over-spiritualizing  his way of thinking and using Sufism to simplify religious practice said Carroll.  She indicated that people do Windows shopping who is not interested in and wondered what is in it. Carroll states, Rumi is a phenomenon, a true believer, a universal Saint who belong to all believers. At the same time, he is a very good Muslim; loving prophet Mohammed, deeply believe in God, practising hardly to become a perfect human being. His way of compassion is not a simple way. Don't be following only Mysticism without knowing the important messages in it. You don't understand Rumi with only a journey to Mysticism and watching Whirling dervishes. We cannot know God truly. Rumi realized reality with knowing human being deeply and established good human relationships with others, and tried to know God very well. His important message was that come to over our place whoever you are, and be yourself with others and understand others. We are living in a world where nuclear and mass murder weapons killed many people. We need Rumi way of thinking to understand others today which provides us compassion, love and peace.

First Panel started in the morning with topics of Human Values in Rumi Philosophy, Human Compassion in Rumi, Love and Decency in Rumi, Mystical Symbols and Ethics in RumiWorks, Human Perfection in Rumi. Panel was moderated by Prof. Nathan Funk from University of Waterloo who said,I am not an expert on Rumi, but I love his poetry, thought and works. The other speakers were Prof. Ahmet Hadi Adanali, Ankara University, Prof. Burhan Tatar, 19 Mayis University and Prof. Mustafa Yavuz from University of Waterloo. Second panel started in noon with topics of Universal Peace and the Notion of Dialogue in Rumi Perceptions of Rumi in the West, Rumi Interpretation of Morality,The Notion of Peace in Rumi and Rumi Perspective on Other Religions under the Moderation of Emeritus Prof. Dimitri Kitsikis of Ottawa University.

The other topics were addressing Rumi Age Contemporary Implications of the Notions of Peace and Tolerance in Rumi How can the Modern Age Benefit from Rumi, Compassion, Tolerance, and Dialogue form Rumi to Today. Dr. Yavuz Zeybek, made a speech about Contemporary Implications of Rumi: In the case of Gulen Movement. Turkish professors Prof. Dr. Sinasi Gunduz, Istanbul University and Dr. Mustafa Yavuz, Waterloo University clarified Rumi ideal and historical perspectives with many samples. After the panels, speakers answered the questions from audience.  Hadi Adanali mentioned that Rumi wisdom is not caged in certain criteria and cannot be determined with a border, thats why his thought has been living over centuries without borders.

As concluding remarks, what we understand from the speeches at the symposium, Rumi discovered a language above all languages, a common language of humanity, and spoke in this language. Just like a compass equipped with one fixed arm and one moving arm, he was a unique produce of his own culture, yet he also managed to become an important philosopher-poet and mystic who succeeded in addressing and embracing numerous different nations. Rumi spiritual luminescence encompassed a geographical area whose borders cannot be determined, and light of his compassion is still capable of illuminating this way to contemporary humankind.  Today, we have the opportunity both to understand him and the projections of his thoughts, and to evaluate them for the well-being and happiness and all human-kind.

Whirling dervishes was extremely impressive

Eminent philosopher and mystical poet of Islam, Mawlana Jalaladdin Rumi (1207-1273 CE) advocated tolerance, peace, reason and access to knowledge through love. His mystical relationship with Islam produced masterpieces that have marked Islamic culture and religious beliefs, well beyond the borders of Turkey. His work and thought remain universally relevant today.

Upon a proposal by Culture and Tourism Ministry of Turkey, the year 2007 was declared the "International Rumi Year" by UNESCO in March 2006. This is intended for the commemoration of Rumi's birthday anniversary and will be celebrated all over the world.

With this in mind, the CIDC has organised two huge tributes dedicated to Rumi in 2007. Most beautiful evening was lived on  Sunday the 4th of  November 2007 when the Mevlevi Group from Konya, more commonly known in the West as the Whirling Dervishes of Rumi appeared for a performance at Toronto Center for The Arts in Toronto. The Event was organized by CIDC and sponsored by Ebru Tv, Toprak Energy, Media 55. Close to 900 people were in attendance with more than 100 VIPs.

The audience was mesmerized by the Sema ceremony dance that took place during the second half of the program. The 12 member group performed from their heart the very spiritual Sema. Some of the comments made regarding the event were:

The performance by the musicians and whirling dervishes was extremely impressive. It was an enchanting experience to hear this traditional music and see the graceful movements of the dancers. It was a good religious experience.

It is an inspiring and informative event. It is always of great benefit to learn about, and participate in, other religious practices. The highlight of the evening for me was the Sema Ceremony. It made me realise the total devotion required to be able to properly participate in this service.

We felt very honoured to witness the Whirling Dervishes on Sunday night. There was a solemn atmosphere of the sacred present as the men performed what seemed to be a very intimate form of prayer, in a very special way. We left feeling uplifted by the experience.

It was a rare and special occasion to see the whirling dervishes right here in Toronto. I appreciated the warmth and generosity of the AIS in sharing this part of your culture and faith with me. The performance was beautiful, and through watching it I learned a lot about diversity and different expressions of spirituality within Islam.

This was the first opportunity in my lifetime to witness the amazing Dervishes, live in concert.  At the outset I was unprepared as to what to expect since there are few spectacles akin to this in our society. And I am pleased to say that I was certainly not disappointed. The performance and overall presentation were incredibly professional with the Whirling Dervish in particular demonstrating a captivating performance.  Their skill and devotion inherent in this specialised art was genuinely awe inspiring.

It was a privilege to be present at the 800th birthday celebrations of Rumi. He was a poet who transcended his time and remains an inspiration for people of all faiths, worldwide. The Mevlevi Sema Ceremony was stunning. It was performed with a reverence and disciplined ecstasy that was mesmerising. It was unforgettable.

VIP Home Iftars

The Canadian Intercultural Dialogue Center again in 2007 year hosted 66 of VIP Canadian guests at various Muslims homes as Iftar guests during the month of Ramadan. It was a great privilege to host such a distinguished list of guests. This gives such guests an opportunity to share in the experiences of a Muslim family and allows them to share with the Muslim family of their own experiences. It is a great means by which Muslim families are honoured and helps to break down the barriers that can exist.

Home Iftars Open to the Public

In its second year the CIDC opened Muslim homes to the public with a great response with close to 66 people registering to enter the homes of Muslims to share in the Ramadan Iftar Meal. People were very pleased to share in a meal with their Muslim hosts and learn of some of the rituals and practices of Ramadan within a home context. People travelled from Greater Toronto Area  with people from all different faith and cultural backgrounds.

Some of the feedback received include:

         I felt deeply honoured that strangers would extend me such easy hospitality and explain their life and beliefs to me.  I went away with a great sense of peace.

         I was excited to participate in such a holy event.  It is beautiful to participate in ritual, even when it is not your own faith

         I was so incredibly overwhelmed by the whole experience. It was truly amazing and I havent stopped raving about it to my friends and family. I learnt so much. It really was a wonderful experience.

         It was a wonderful experience and we were made to feel very welcome and part of the family. We enjoyed sharing stories of our lives and it revealed that as people we all share similar life experiences regardless of our religious beliefs.

         We feel such gatherings  give us  a greater understanding of the persons participating, the culture and religion and help to build bridges. We were overwhelmed with the generosity of our hosts.

         It helps to break down stereotypes and demystify the lives of strangers so that relationships may develop and people may be more amenable to working together with people they may not know otherwise.

Various religions and cultures gathered the breaking of Ramadan feast together

Religious leaders, MMP, MP, diplomats, professors, businessmen, 160 prominent members of various religions and cultures to share the breaking of Ramadan feast with Canadian Intercultural Dialogue Centre, a Toronto-based organization working to foster interfaith and intercultural dialogue and, for the third consecutive year brought together a number of distinguished speakers and invitees for an iftar dinner at 89 Chestnut Residence, University of Toronto on Sunday, September 23, 2007. 

The event started with a prayer from the chaplain Maurice Jordanie, followed by the Muslim evening prayer by Kemal Sahin. The iftar the evening fast-breaking meal in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan was organized under the auspices of MP Special Advisor of PM to the Middle East and Central Asia Wajhid Ali Khan was among its guests of Annual Friendship Dinner celebrating the Breaking of the Ramadan Fast. Most of participants mentioned all believers were united in worshipping the same God, as Islam, Judaism and Christianity were from the same religious illumination, which began with Abraham. Whirling Dervishes performed after dinner.  The Society of Jesus, the Jesuits, the Protestants, Catholics, Jews and variety of Muslims were there; this has been a remarkable evening of dialogue.

All speakers at the dinner emphasized the importance of dialogue. The keynote speaker was Program Director The Canadian Institute of Interfaith Dialogue Dr. Yavuz Zeybek said, We can educate human body that is centre of all universe, book of creation. Human existing is a gift by God. Love is heart of universe. There is love, there is life without them humanity cannot survive. Love is the creations in seek of Creator. There is no peace unless among relationship religions. Benefits are dialogue that one to another respect differences, shares values, joins promotion of peace. Abram faith believes first Jewish is him, Jesus belong to him and Mohammed blood line goes to him. President of Victoria University in UOT, Professor Paul W. Gobch remarks about their students involving in which Father Abram study.  Jewish, Christian and Muslim student join a reading circle second time this year twice in a month to get to know their holy books together, and expose faith, ask questions, then talk about it. Gobch happy to see religious tension is low dispute earlier time because studying and sharing other religion is promoted and engaged with those faiths.  

US Consulate General John R. Nay was guest of honour at the event. We may understand God differently but we can work together peace around the world. We are individually same characteristic hope and family values that human rights. We commit ourselves peace for better world Nay said. 

Wajhid Ali Khan speech was remarkable that failure is a not option for dialogue between religions. Dialogue says that serving human race, your country, and God as well. “ I was born as a Muslim. Educated in Catholic school in Pakistan running by Irish family. Lived in Jewish neighbourhood in Bathurist Street. Having doctors are all Jewish. I am not confused. Look at our colour. One colour is very boring. We are all different come together for as a country of Canada. We should interact each other. Muslim must celebrate charismas with Christians; Christian should join iftar during Ramadan with their Muslim neighbours. Muslim cannot be Muslim unless respect Jesus, Moses and all prophets Not by word by acting it. said Khan as not as advisor for PM or Politician as a Canadian citizen and as a Muslim. 

The guests showed great interest in the video for the CIDC and Turkey trip. Maurice Jordanie and Rose Buhagir shared their Turkey trip experiences.

2rd Annual Intercultural Study Tour to Turkey

By Erdem Sezgin

Turkey, the land of Rumi, is a land of Divine love. It is a land where diverse faiths and cultures have lived in peace for millennia: it is a land of dialogue and tolerance, it is the land of Abraham “ spiritual forefather of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. There is much to experience in Turkey. CIDC organized Intercultural Study tour to Turkey.  In June 15-July 15, 2007. Istanbul, Konya, Izmir, Kayseri, Nevsehir, Antalya and  Denizli  were visited during this trip. 10 participants travel the country in 10 days who were Rose Buhagiar, Maurice Jordine, Hermine Jordine, J.A. Richard Gosselin, Linda Gosselin. CIDC would like all participants to experience an ineffable ecstasy and see the indescribable beauty and the untellable splendor of the land of diversity. In addition, CIDC hopes this trip will be another vehicle to promote dialogue among Islam and other faiths to strengthen peace on earth and arouse the Divine love in our souls.

Reflections of Turkey

As I excitedly prepared for my trip to Turkey, many people advised me to exercise caution during my trip, for the following stereotypical reasons; there was a war in Iraq; women in Turkey were oppressed; women had to be covered and veiled and could not go out alone; men were dangerous.

Despite these cautions, I went to Turkey and found a beautiful, picturesque country, where women were not oppressed, but very strong, assertive, true ladies. I didnt have be covered or veiled, but exercised common decency, while venturing out alone daily, without apprehension or fear, as the Turkish people are kind and gracious and the men are respectful of women.  My fears, apprehensions, and cautions were immediately dispelled by the positive experience I had.

Along with my travel companions, and in speaking with the many Turkish people we met, there was no effort to convert us to Islam, but there was an effort to dialogue and learn about each other. This experience demonstrated a true commitment to mutual respect and understanding regardless of our respective places or origin, race and religious beliefs.

We visited many beautiful mosques, historic sites and ruins, saw the spectacular Whirling Dervishes, went from Europe to Asia, and saw the many charitable works of the Turkish people. We experienced the Gulen movement, which has inspired followers worldwide to engage in dialogue, understanding, education, and tolerance to strive toward global harmony.

Host families graciously welcomed us into their homes for wonderful dinners, as we spoke about our respective cultures, beliefs, lifestyles, occupations and child rearing, and discovered we had more similarities than differences.

The purpose of our trip was to promote dialogue among Muslims and other faith groups to strengthen world peace. Through our dialogue, we learned to appreciate the beauty and reverence of the mosques and Islam and confirmed that true Muslims are truly committed to peace. This message of peace, mutual respect and understanding through dialogue must continue with all faith groups, and I encourage everyone to continue in sharing this message and seize upon an opportunity to visit Turkey and learn from their wonderful people.

Rose Buhagiar
December 19, 2007
Memnum oldum!
Cok naziksiniz
Turkiye cok guzel bir ulkedir
(Cok) te ekkur ederim!

Merhaba

On June 1, 2006, I, together with seven other people from different faith groups, flew to Istanbul. Organized by the Toronto CIDC, I was a part of the exciting “Trip to Turkey, the Bridge between Civilizationsâ€. This was an amazing opportunity to spend 10 days meeting with wonderful Turkish sponsors, seeing the beautiful country of Turkey and visiting Islamic holy sites. We stayed in hotels, and shared many of our meals with people right in their homes or sometimes in schools where a larger group could gather. The graciousness and kindness of everyone I met were remarkable. Our guide Fehmi Kala and Fatma Satir, who joined us in Istanbul, made the trip fun and a wonderful learning experience.

I can only highlight some of the special sites and experiences. In Istanbul the Blue Mosque was amazing. The beautiful tiles, watching the people come to pray, joining them inside and offering my own prayers was special. Visiting the Grand Bazaar, walking beneath the high arches, being entertained by a sponsor in his upper room sitting on cushions, sipping tea and eating nuts will always be a treasured memory.

Visiting Urfa the birthplace of Abraham, sitting by the Pool of Abraham, full of carp regarded as sacred and talking with a Chaplain about his work in Turkey was unforgettable.

In the picturesque city of Konya I learned more about Sufism.  Meeting one of the most well-known Sufi singers and sharing Turkish pizza is etched in my mind. I learned a lot about how the Muslim faith affects daily living. There are mosques everywhere and they range in size from small to huge — like Istanbuls Blue Mosque. Even offices, schools, hospitals and restaurants have quiet space set aside so that people can pray. Prayer is a natural part of daily life.
Good food is also a part of daily living and I enjoyed it all. I cant remember the names of the different dishes but the memory of the tantalizing smells and delicious flavours will last a long time. The most important thing that occurred through the CIDC sponsored trip was the friendship that I have developed with members of the Turkish community. It has been a blessing in my life and I will always treasure it.

I have no idea what kind of picture you would like. I don't have any of myself but... I am sending my two favourites. Blue tiles - This is from the home of one of the sponsors and shows the beautiful Turkish tiles. Blue Mosque - The picture I took outside as we were preparing to go inside to pray.

Lynda
Rev. Lynda Kelly
Provincial Coordinator
Chaplaincy Services Ontario