Something Understood

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Religion & Ethics

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life, taking a spiritual theme and exploring it through music, prose and poetry

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Something Understood: Rumi

Embracing the Classical

Rumi

BBC Radio 4 - Something Understood, Rumi

Mark Tully assesses the worldwide popularity of the 13th-century Sufi mystic poet.

The poetry of the Persian mystic, considered the first Whirling Dervish, is still popular 800 years after his death. Mark Tully considers the reasons for his enduring appeal.

Jalal ad-Din Rumi was a 13th-century Persian poet, theologian and Sufi mystic, whose influence as a writer extended throughout central and southern Asia. Eight hundred years later it extends worldwide. He has been described as the most popular poet in the United States and he is still revered by many in the East.

Mark Tully assesses his contemporary popularity with Coleman Barks, one of Rumi’s pre-eminent American translators and asks why Rumi resonates with so many people of so many nationalities and faiths.

In a programme featuring music from all over the world and readings of some Rumi’s great passionate masterpieces, he presents a portrait of the founder of the Mevlevi Order – also known as the Whirling Dervishes.

The readers are Paapa Essiedu and Emma Pallant.

Presenter: Mark Tully
Producer: Frank Stirling

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