Environmental awareness in Masnavi-ye-Ma'navi of Mawlana Jalal al-Din al-Rumi

When the history of humanity is examined, it is seen that biodiversity is decreasing faster than ever today; With the careless destruction of forests and habitats, it is seen that wild animals are getting closer to human settlements. Many of today's infectious diseases are transmitted from animals to humans. The hunting and sale of endangered wild animals increases the risk of transmission from animals to humans. In addition, human-induced climate changes cause wild animals to migrate to new places and interact with other species they have not encountered before. This increases the likelihood of the emergence of new diseases. It should not be forgotten that preventing the emergence of new infections and pandemics will be possible by protecting natural life and biodiversity and minimizing climate change. At this point, human beings should be aware that they have to develop a new and harmonious attitude with the world for the sake of their future. This situation is better understood day by day, and accordingly, it is seen that the number of scientific studies especially in the field of ecology is increasing. These studies are generally grouped as analyzing ecological problems, interdisciplinary work and presenting models. In this study, Mawlana's thoughts will be discussed in the context of these problems we face today. In this study, Mawlana; He was chosen because he is an important figure who influenced his period and our age with his unique style, logical inferences and rich fiction, as well as his knowledge, wisdom and experience. In the subject of research, while describing the environment and life, Mawlana always presents his solution by making analogies from nature. It explains living and inanimate beings by comparing them to each other, by being inspired by the other, and explains the cycle in the universe and the interdependence. According to Mawlana, life is an activity that is attributed to a purpose and exists everywhere. By including living and non-living beings in nature in his narrative, Mawlana expresses his views on the value and importance of nature and the natural environment, and all living beings and inanimate objects, and exhibits his unique environmentalist understanding. Unlike previous studies, this study deals with environmental and ecological problems in the field of Sufism through Masnavi-ye-Ma'navi of Mawlana. With this, it is aimed to contribute to develop a compassionate, respectful and attentive attitude towards the universe and to create a sensitive environmental awareness. Because ecological problems, which are a very comprehensive problem; it needs religious thinking, as well as legal, moral and other measures.