In this recent teaching, Ayberk Efendi sheds light on one of the most tragic chapters of recent history: the war that devastated Bosnia and Herzegovina in the early 1990s. He situates the conflict not merely within political or ethnic narratives but as a moment that fits into a larger divine timetable—a sign that points toward the unfolding of the final days, or what Sufi tradition refers to as Armageddon.
Ayberk Efendi explains that the Bosnian war was precipitated by a confluence of forces seeking to destabilise a region historically linked to the Ottoman legacy. The strategic location of Bosnia, perched at the crossroads between East and West, made it an attractive arena for powers intent on reshaping the balance of influence after the collapse of the Soviet bloc. By supporting separatist movements and arming militias, external actors aimed to erode any lingering sense of unity that the centuries‑old Ottoman presence had fostered.
From a spiritual perspective, the turmoil is read as a test for the soul of humanity. The suffering endured by ordinary Bosnians—families torn apart, cultural monuments destroyed, lives shattered—is viewed as a manifestation of kıyamet signs described in classical Sufi texts: discord among peoples, the rise of false leaders, and the erosion of justice. Yet Ayberk Efendi also reminds us that within every trial lies an invitation to return to the path of divine love (mahbubiyet) and inner purification. The Bosnian tragedy, therefore, is both a warning and a call to awaken the deeper consciousness that the Ottoman‑Sufi heritage has preserved for centuries.
He concludes with practical guidance: we should channel our grief into dhikr (remembrance), extend compassionate support to survivors, and keep alive the spiritual lineage that can transform pain into hope. By doing so, the community not only honors those who suffered but also participates in the collective effort to bring about an era of peace foretold by the prophets.
If you feel moved to deepen your practice or wish to stand with the Society’s new Dergah project in Germany, consider joining our community of seekers. You can become a member and gain access to live meetings where teachings like Ayberk Efendi’s are explored further: https://royalottomans.com/membership. Together we can keep the light of the Ottoman‑Sufi tradition shining through history’s darkest moments.
