A Bi-Weekly Podcast with host Fatemeh Keshavarz
This episode focuses on the complexity of the concept of madness in Rumi’s poetry. It explores our poet’s approach to madness as a tool that curbs the power of rules and regulations to allow the formation of human spiritual originality.
In light of the recent clashes between my two homes (Iran and America), I dedicate this program to a concept which Rumi values and we need desperately: the concept of oneness of all humanity. Rumi lived in a time burdened by division and disagreement but refused to accept the categories that divided the people of his time.
The program starts with the significance of Rumi’s poetry in Iranian culture and Fatemeh Keshavarz’s encounter with this poetry from early childhood. Rumi’s poetry and personality are described through anecdotes from his life and examples from his poetry.
Radio Rumi is hosted by Dr. Fatemeh Keshavarz at the University of Maryland. In this bi monthly series, Dr. Keshavarz explores Rumi’s words and invites the listener to enter his vibrant universe and see with fresh eyes.
Opening song: Arayesh e ghaliz, Homayun Shajarian
Producer: Sogand Seirafi
Graphic Designer: Amaal Yazdi
Editorial Consultant: Faezeh Lotfalian
Project Manager: Samar Ata
Audio editing: Tommy Hegarty
Technical assistance is provided by the Center for Innovation in Teaching at Learning, University of Maryland