One day Shams entered Rumi’s assembly, where Rumi was giving a speech. At that time, Rumi was already a famous theologian. Shams noticed the books that he was studying and asked: “what are these?” Rumi answered with contempt: “Something that the ignorants cannot understand.” Shams took the books and threw them into the nearby river. Rumi said: “O Darvish, some of these books are my father’s souvenirs and unique and rare copies!” Shams Tabrizi dipped his hand in the water and took the books back. They had remained completely dry… Rumi asked, astonished: “what is this secret?!” Shams answered: “Something that the scholars cannot understand”. And he added: “Look for the knowledge that no water can erase – the knowledge of your heart…”

This episode was the starting point of a new life for Rumi, who died to himself and found a new birth in the spiritual exchanges he had with Shams. He left all of his positions as a respected and well-known man of faith, and turned to mysticism, poetry, dance and music, becoming one of the most important Persian poets

Inspired by the transformative encounter between Jalāl ad-Dīn Rūmī (Mawlana) and Shams Tabrizi, this project emerges as a space where music, poetry, and memory meet. Rooted in the Persian tradition, yet open to dialogue with other cultures, the music of these artists seeks to give voice to a poetic and spiritual heritage that has endured across centuries and continues to resonate in the present.

Through improvisation, words, and silence, the concert invites us into a moment of deep listening, where different cultural worlds encounter one another through music.

At a time marked by war and uncertainty, the project also takes on a dimension of testimony. More than ever, at a moment when Iranian culture is under threat, it feels urgent to bring this memory to the forefront, to keep it alive, and to document it. A project that began as a celebration of the encounter between two great mystics has ultimately also become a testimony to our own time — a time in which division seems to prevail.

Perhaps for this very reason, it is more necessary than ever to turn our gaze inward and recognise ourselves in all those we encounter along the way.