ARCH has designed and trademarked the concept for Rumi Garden. This is a flexible template for what we envision as a series of international Rumi Gardens of varying sizes and with variable themes as appropriate to each location. This is a new, innovative project with international appeal. No such garden has been designed and dedicated to the poet and philosopher Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi.
The mission is to celebrate Rumi’s scholarship and writings, highlight one of Central Asia’s most famous sons, and serve the enjoyment and education of locals and guests.
The poet and philosopher Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi often used images of nature and specific flowers and trees in his writings.
"Pull the thorn of existence out
of the heart! Fast!
For when you do,
you will see thousands of
rose gardens in yourself."
Rumi
of the heart! Fast!
For when you do,
you will see thousands of
rose gardens in yourself."
Rumi
His region of the world was historically one of the most important in the development of garden designs.
In addition to a physical location which can be visited, the site will be designed in a way that can be shared with the world on virtual and interactive platforms.
To maximize the value of the gardens there will be the option to include a teahouse. The multi-purpose pavilion will offer a sheltered space for refreshments and serve as a venue for weddings, poetry readings, events for school groups.
For an example, we can look to the William Shakespeare Garden. This 16th/17th century writer and playwright also referred often to herbs and flowers mentioned in his sonnets. Gardens inspired by his work are laid out in the “knot-garden” style of the Elizabethan Age during which he lived and contain plaques and benches with quotations from his poetry.
Rumi is respected and loved around the world. Indeed, the extent to which his poems and concepts remain timely and meaningful to people everywhere, is remarkable. As the world struggles with transformational challenges, Rumi’s thoughts about reconciliation, peace, tolerance and spiritual growth have never been more relevant.
We anticipate that one model garden will inspire future Rumi Gardens in other countries. Over time, the Rumi Gardens in different locations can be connected virtually through interactive screens that permit people to see each other’s gardens.