Nazeri’s Criticism of Neglecting Sufis in Iran
Iranian singer and artist Shahram Nazeri, in his speech at Seljuk University in Konya, emphasized that Turkey should be appreciated for its efforts to keep the school of Rumi (Mevlânâ) alive.
Nazeri criticized Iranian officials for their disregard toward the great figures of mysticism, saying: “Our statesmen have never shown any interest in meeting or learning about the Sufis. While Iran is home to the tombs of some of the world’s greatest mystics such as Bayazid Bastami, Abu al-Hasan Kharqani, and Attar of Nishapur, they have never received the attention they deserve.”
Nazeri went on, highlighting the special place of Rumi among the people of Turkey:
“Fortunately, the Turks—the government and the people of Turkey—have nurtured Rumi in their hearts and kept his school alive. If Rumi had been in Iran, rest assured this heritage would also have been lost.”
