Mevlana

Mevlana was born in the city of Belh of the Horasan country which falls within the boundaries of current Afghanistan, on September 30, 1207.

Mevlana's father was Bahaeddin Veled, the son of Hьseyin Hatibi, who, besides being one of the notables of city, was also known in his life time as the"Sultan of the Scholars". His mother was Mьmine Hatun, the daughter of Rьkneddin, who was the Emir of Behl. Sultanь'l - Ulema Bahaeddin Veled, because of certain political incidents and the approaching Mongolian invasion could no longer stay in the city. Thus, in the year 1212 or 1213 Sultanь'l - Ulema left Behl with the members of his family and close friends.

His first stop was NiÑŽabur where he met the well known Sufi FeridÑŒddin Attar. There, despite his young age Mevlana was noticed by FeridÑŒddin Attar who showed his appreciation and approval of the young man.

Sultanь'l - Ulema moved from Niюabur to Baghdat and later took off for Kaaba through Kьfe. On his way back from the priglimage he stopped at Damascus and from Damascus he reached Larende (Karaman) passing through Malatya, Erzincan, Sivas Kayseri and Niрde. They settled in the theological school (medrese) built by Subaюэ Emir Musa.

SultanÑŒ'l - Ulema and his family who arrived at Karaman in 1222, stayed there for 7 years. There, Mevlana married Gevher Hatun who was the daughter of Юerefeddin Lala. The marriage gave Mevlana two sons named Sultan Veled and Alaeddin Ð--elebi. Years later, with Gevher Hatun dead, Mevlana married for a second time with Kerra Hatun, who was a widow with a child. Second marriage also gave him two sons, Muzaferreddin and Emir Alim Ð--elebi, and a daughter called Melike Hatun.

During those years the greater part of Anatolia was under the reign of the Seljuk State and Konya was the capital. Hence Konya was bestowed with works of art and artists, and scholars were abundant in the city. In short, Seljuk State headed by Alaeddin Keykubad, was enjoying its most spectacular days. Alaeddin Keykubad invited Sultanь'l - Ulema Bahaeddin Veled from Karaman and asked him to settle in Konya.

Bahaeddin Veled accepted the invitation of the Sultan and arrived in Konya on May 3, 1228 with his family and friends. Sultan Alaeddin met them with great ceremony and allocated the Altunapa (ЭplikÐ*i) Medrese (theological school) to their use.

Sultanь'l - Ulema died in Konya on January 12, 1231. The rose garden of the Seljuk palace was chosen for his grave and he was buried

at the same spot the grave