Through writing and translating, by painting and crafting, and by hosting pilgrimages and online classes, Aslınur desires to contribute to the revival of Anatolian wisdom culture. Anatolia literally means 'full of mothers.' In ancient times, this geography hosted societies in which a matriarchal culture flourished. Anatolia is a cradle of civilizations and religions, a place of cultural cross-pollinization. However, this wisdom has been largely forgotten. But the potential of Anatolian culture is still alive. Turkey needs to remember its Anatolian heritage right now, especially its feminine aspects.
In college, she received training in English and Turkish Literature. This helped her connect West and East through the power of words. She received her MA degree at the Islamic theology department to immerse herself into Anatolian Sufi literature. This made her discover another passion: Translating texts of Anatolian Sufism from the past into languages of today, such as modern Turkish and English. For her, this is a sacred work towards collective healing and peace.
She transcribed a 17th century commentary on Rumi’s Masnavi into modern Turkish. She focused on the first 18 verses, known as the story of the reed flute. It's a perfect story for our times. It tells of separation, of loneliness, of complaining, of longing for love and community, and of attaining unity in the end. This first book of hers which has been recently published carries the title 'The Shining Gems of the Masnavi.
Right now she is working on her second book 'Returning Home.' It will be a guidebook for modern readers to journey from separation to unity in their personal lives with the help of practical exercises from the Sufi tradition. Besides her book projects, she has been producing podcasts and essays in which she reflects on the Sacred in Anatolian Sufism. A series of online classes on Sufi culture and literature is on its way starting in 2021.
For years she has been facilitating circles - Awakin Circles, women circles and online learning journeys. She has guided women through dream work. She is deeply inspired by Mother Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Mohammad, as a source of the divine feminine. She has received the inspiration to create a brand named 'Dowry of Fatima.' Her vision is to design objects for rituals, rites of passage and celebrations based on divine feminine principles.
If you would like to check and support her work, you can visit her
Patreon page