Coordinatorship of Mevlana Exchange Programme

What is Mevlana Exchange Programme?

Mevlana Exchange Programme is a programme which aims the exchange of students and academic staff between the Turkish higher education institutions and higher education institutions of other countries. With the regulation published in August 23, 2011 (num: 28034), students and academic staff exchange between Turkish higher education institutions and higher education institutions of other countries has been possible. The programme includes all higher education institutions throughout the world without discriminating between the geographical borders. Students may study abroad for one (minimum) or two (maximum) terms and academic staff may lecture abroad from one week (minimum) to three months (maximum). Accordingly, students and academic staff from any country may benefit from this programme being hosted by Turkish higher education institutions in order to study or lecture.

Who is Mevlana (Rumi)?

The original name of Mevlana, from whom the name of the programme is inspired, is Muhammed Celaleddin. Mevlana was born in 1207 in Belh of Horasan distinct that is now in the border of Afghanistan. The name “Mevlana” was used by Sultan Veled, §ems-i Tebrizi and his lovers, and virtually is a universal symbol which identifies with him. Also, he is known as Rumi by the western people.

Mevlana lived in the 13th century, but as a sufi who got beyond the ages with his works, did not make any discrimination between people as indicated in his verse “Come, come whoever you are”. As well as his mercy, voluntary and unlimited humanity, he had endless tolerance and he impressed not only the world of Islam but also the whole humanity. He is accepted worldwide as an intellectual with his point of view to the people and life. UNESCO, due to the 800th anniversary of Mevlana’s birth, declared the year 2007 as Mevlana and Tolerance year.

Throughout his education, he visited the educational institutions of various cities in different countries not only as a student but also a scholar. Mevlana attributed great importance to “change” in his philosophy throughout his life.

He is also the author of the important works like Masnavi, Divan-i Kebir, Fihi Mafih, Mektubat and Mecalis-i Seba.

The Objectives of Mevlana Exchange Programme

The primary objective of Mevlana Exchange Programme is to exchange students and academic staff between the Turkish higher education institutions and higher education institutions of other countries. Additionally, Mevlana Exchange Programme aims:

• Making Turkey a centre of attraction in higher education area,
• Increasing the academic capacity of Turkish higher education institutions,
• Contributing to the globalization process of higher education,
• Sharing the historical and cultural heritage of Turkey in a global scale, enriching the culture of respect and tolerance to differences by increasing intercultural interaction.