Mevlânâ Jalaluddin Rumi (1207–1273) was a poet, jurist and Islamic scholar, theologian and Sufi mystic in 13th-century Persia. Born in Afghanistan, he lived in Konya, a city in the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey). He was a man of profound understanding of the nature of human existence and possibly the greatest mystical poet of any era. His work, translated into numerous languages, is read throughout the world today and his words and wisdom inspire readers of the most diverse backgrounds, creeds and interests.