Illuminating Mysticism: The Symbolism of Light in Rumi’s Mathnawi and Tabriz Grand Bazaar

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between the mystical themes in Jalaluddin Muhammad Balkhi's Mathnawi Manavi, known as Rumi, and the architectural design of the Tabriz Grand Bazaar, a prominent example of traditional Iranian-Islamic architecture. Rumi's Mathnawi addresses many facets of human life from a mystical perspective, particularly exploring the symbolism and function of light. As a key theme in Rumi's work, light represents divine presence, truth, and knowledge, reflecting the way of life and ideal societal conditions. Influenced by Islamic culture, Rumi's insights on light extend to architectural contexts, where light is used to shape spaces that foster spiritual insight and unity. Through a comparative analysis of the Mathnawi and the Tabriz Grand Bazaar's design, this article investigates how natural light creates bright, welcoming spaces and highlights key architectural elements. The findings reveal that Rumi's poetic concepts are embedded in the Bazaar's design, where light bridges the material and spiritual realms. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how poetic and mystical inspiration can be translated into the tangible configuration of architectural spaces, blending cultural identity, spirituality, and functionality.

Keywords

• Rumi Poem
• Mathnawi
• Tabriz Grand Bazaar
• Light symbolism
• Iranian-Islamic architecture
• Mysticism in architecture.

Aydınlatan Tasavvuf: Mevlana'nın Mesnevi'sinde Işığın Sembolizmi ve Tebriz Kapalıçarşısı

Abstract

Bu çalışma, Celâleddîn Muhammed Belhî'nin Mesnevi-i Manevi adlı eserindeki mistik temalar ile geleneksel İran-İslam mimarisinin önemli bir örneği olan Tebriz Kapalıçarşısı'nın mimari tasarımı arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemektedir. Mevlânâ Celâleddîn Muhammed Belhî'nin Mesnevîsi, insan hayatının birçok yönünü mistik bir bakış açısıyla ele alır, özellikle ışığın sembolizmini ve işlevini inceler. Mevlânâ Celâleddîn Muhammed Belhî'nin eserlerinde temel bir tema olarak ışık, yaşam biçimini ve ideal toplumsal koşulları yansıtan ilâhî varlığı, gerçeği ve bilgiyi temsil eder. İslam kültüründen etkilenen Mevlânâ Celâleddîn Muhammed Belhî'nin ışık hakkındaki görüşleri, ışığın manevi içgörü ve birliği besleyen mekânları şekillendirmek için kullanıldığı mimari bağlamlara kadar uzanır. Bu makale, Mesnevi ve Tebriz Kapalıçarşısı'nın tasarımının karşılaştırmalı bir analizi yoluyla, doğal ışığın nasıl aydınlık ve davetkâr mekânlar yarattığını ve temel mimari unsurları nasıl vurguladığını incelemektedir. Bulgular, Mevlâna Celâleddîn Muhammed Belhî'nin şiirsel kavramlarının ışığın maddi ve manevi alemler arasında köprü kurduğu Çarşı'nın tasarımına yerleştirildiğini ortaya koymaktadır. Bu araştırma, şiirsel ve mistik ilhamın kültürel kimlik, maneviyat ve işlevselliği harmanlayarak mimari mekânların somut yapılandırmasına nasıl çevrilebileceğine dair daha derin bir anlayışa katkıda bulunmaktadır.

Keywords

• Rumi Şiiri
• Mesnevi
• Tebriz Kapalıçarşısı
• Işık sembolizmi
• İran-İslam mimarisi
• Mimaride mistisizm

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