As it is known, Rumi lighted the way for humanity with his works and ideas. Humanitarian Diplomacy during Rumi: Except for I. Alaaddîn Keykubad, Seljuks were a principality that paid tributes to Mongols during the times of Rumi. The traces of the crusades were still seen in Anatolia. The people were living desperately in harsh conditions such as fear, terror and insecurity due to Mongol attacks. The Sultans were too young to be a Sultan and they were ineffective against Mongol authorities. There was an atmosphere of distrust.
During the downturn period of Seljuks, Rumi created an atmosphere of confidence with his ideas and works both among people and among authorities. Also, he was seen as a spiritual guide and a hope for the future. In such a competitive time, he managed to be a friend of everyone and had important effects on people and authorities. Rumi helped people hold on to the life and gave them joy of living in these rough times. This shows that Rumi lived in peace and friendship with the authorities of the time as it is the only thing appropriate for a real Sufi.
International Humanitarian Aid is in Rumi’s words during Pandemic:
We are living a pandemic that affects everyone all over the world. During this pandemic, humanity is being faced with health problems.
Rumi, who lighted the way for humanity with his works and ideas, gave voice to his ideas in different ways on health and help, too. It has been a tradition to help people in need for Turkish people. The main idea of these kinds of help can be proved by an inscription in Topkapı Palace. In this inscription it is written that:
“The Sultan is a shelter for the people in need and a shadow of God’s justice on the earth.”
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Turkey has helped by sending health packages to different countries such as Spain and Italy, nearly 160 countries in total. On these packages there were the flags of the countries and Turkey. Also, just under these flags there was a quota by Rumi and its translation in different languages: “There is hope after despair and many suns after darkness”.
Turkey was giving good messages to international diplomacy and international relations thorough Rumi’s words. It was a good example of how to do a favour and international aid. This quota shows the politeness and delicacy of our President who asked the words to be written. Moreover, it gives the message about how to conduct a delicate diplomacy through Rumi. In this global disaster that we are living thorough, people are giving an exam about “friendship” and “unity”. It is a significant message to write such a quota about “delicacy, hope and trust” on an international aid package in such times.
