In Mazar-i Sharif in Afghanistan (Photo: Emily O'Dell)
I guess we should begin today’s journey to Rumi in northern Afghanistan. While Afghans believe that Rumi’s family lived in Balkh before fleeing the Mongols, Tajiks and others believe that Rumi’s family was from Vakhsh (in current-day Tajikistan). Either way, Rumi’s memory today is alive and well throughout Afghanistan. For instance, while searching for signs of Rumi
while driving through Afghanistan, I found this engraving of him on the side of the road leading into Mazar-i Sharif…
And so I wonder, sweetest love, if I
Should drink this ruby wine, or rather weep;
Each tear a bezel with your face engraved,
A rosary to memorize your name…
— Rumi
Mazar-i Sharif (Photo: Emily O'Dell)
