Sufi culture: Interview with the descendant of Jalal Eddine Rumi

Esin Çelebi Bayru, the descendant of Jalal Eddine Rumi.

Esin Çelebi Bayru is a descendant of the Persian poet, theologian and mystic, who profoundly influenced Sufism, Jalal Eddine Rumi (1207–1273). Esin Çelebi Bayru is the guest of honor at the 15th edition of the Fez Festival of Sufi Culture. It is part of the Mevlânâ International Foundation, created in 1996 in Istanbul (Turkey). Esin Çelebi Bayru continues to travel the world to give conferences to serve the teachings of Mevlânâ. She tries to promote Sufism, as instilled in her by her predecessors.

Le Matin: What does it mean to you to be the descendant of Jalal Eddine Rumi?
Esin Çelebi Bayru:
As a little girl of the generation of Mevlânâ carrying the blood and meaning of Mevlânâ, I try as much as I can to serve on her path.

What do you think of female Sufism today?
All women including Sufi women, who have a certain responsibility, are of great importance in the name of humanity, because it is women who bring up children from when they are babies until they are young. Hence the importance of the teachings of these women, and the mission they carry has great significance for humanity. And I’m very happy to see the large number of women who come to the festival.

Have you received, from a young age, an education to be a great Sufi?
Since my birth, I have been initiated into the teachings of Mevlânâ and I have lived throughout my life in the atmosphere of Rumi.

Did you pass on what you learned to your children?
Indeed. Moreover, they too, whether they are my children or my grandchildren, bear this spiritual responsibility of Mevlânâ by Jalal Eddine Rumi. We try to take care of their education in this sense.

Before coming to Morocco, did you have an idea about Moroccan Sufism?
This is my first time in Morocco, but I learned about the activities of Moroccan Sufis through a Turkish friend who has come to the Sufi Culture Festival several times.

Do you believe that Sufism, currently, is still on a good path of transmission or is it experiencing a degradation nowadays?
Nowadays, people need more spirituality. They are even thirsty for spirituality. That’s why we try to spread this need for Sufism in the world. I feel that these activities of Sufism are increasing in the world, along with people’s need for spirituality.

Do you think this festival can have an impact, in terms of Sufism, on the youth of our days?
Sure. As I have seen here, the Sufism that we have programmed at the festival is of great importance at the level of Morocco and at the international level.

A small impression on Morocco and this festival that you have just discovered…
First of all, I am very happy to be here, then to witness the interests of Moroccans who come to listen to and learn about Sufi culture. I found that the conference rooms are always full and people are very interested. This shows that Sufism has great importance and is succeeding in this country. Then, there is also a large international presence which makes this festival very important.

Sufi culture: Interview with the descendant of Jalal Eddine Rumi