The Persian poet and mystic lived in the 13th century. In Iran and the Middle East, he is known as Mowlavi, while in the Western world, he is called Rumi, and his books are admired all over the world.
He was born in 1207 in the city of Balkh, in present-day Afghanistan. Since the area was part of the Persian Khwarezmian Empire at the time, Rumi is considered a Persian poet. He used the Persian language in his works, although he was also knowledgeable in Arabic and Turkish.
Like other Sufis and mystics, he believed that humanity had fallen away from "the Beloved" (the one God) and longed to reunite with Him. He also believed that individuals can only find God within their own hearts. His teachings were based on ideals of true love and peace among all races, nations, and religions. He believed that everyone could reach God through poetry, music, and dance.
