In a night that still reverberates through our gatherings, Sheikh Nazım entered the dream of Ayberk Efendi, delivering a clear command: “Establish the Ottoman path again.” From that single vision sprang the Royal Ottoman Society, a spiritual community rooted in Sufi tradition and Ottoman heritage.
The Dream That Ignited a Mission
Ayberk Efendi recounted how Sheikh Nazım appeared amidst luminous light, his voice resonant yet tender. He reminded Ayberk of an earlier prophecy spoken by M. Ş. Nazım: “Without the Ottomans there can be no marifet (spiritual gnosis), no tariqat (path), no sharia, and no haqiqa (truth).” Sheikh Nazım affirmed that the caliphate— the unifying canopy under which all these dimensions flourish— must be restored for true Islam to stand upright. He warned that a headless Islam cannot bear fruit, explaining why previous Muslim states have remained passive observers.
The dream concluded with a vivid instruction: “Go to Bosnia, restore the shrine of Sarı Saltuk Baba, raise the Ottoman flag, and begin the work.” The urgency was unmistakable— the new Ottoman initiative must be anchored in both spiritual practice and concrete service.
From Vision to Action: Bosnian Foundations
Following the dream, we mobilised swiftly. Our first pilgrimage led us to Blagaj, just ten kilometres from Mostar, where the tomb of Sarı Saltuk Baba (also known historically as the figure later called Santa Nicholas) stands. Recognized as a great wali, his lineage traces back to Hacı Ahmet Yesevi and Seyit Battalgazi.
We restored his shrine, raised an Ottoman banner, and inaugurated regular gatherings:
- Mevlid‑i Şerif ceremonies honoring the martyrs of Uğur, Badr, and the companions of the Prophet.
- Zikir nights fostering collective remembrance.
- Humanitarian aid, distributing food, establishing farms, and repairing local infrastructure for a community still bearing the scars of conflict.
For nearly a century these activities have continued, embodying Sheikh Nazım’s vision that spiritual renewal must be paired with tangible compassion.
Historical Roots: The Caliphate as the Heart of Islam
Sheikh Nazım repeatedly emphasized that the caliphate is not merely a political title but the spine of sharia, tariqat, marifet, and haqiqa. He cited prophetic traditions stating that those who die without swearing allegiance to a rightful caliph are akin to those who perished in the jahiliyyah (pre‑Islamic ignorance). This underlines why Ottoman governance— with its seamless integration of law, mysticism, and truth— is essential for a living Islam.
The narrative also revisits the historic conquest of “Şarki Roma” (the Eastern Roman Empire) by Fatih Sultan Mehmet. Sheikh Nazım clarified that there was never a distinct “Byzantine” entity; rather, a millennium‑old Eastern Roman empire fell to the Ottoman sword, an event foretold in hadith. The subsequent push toward the West, culminating near the Vatican, underscores the timeless mission to spread true Islam beyond borders.
Building the New Ottoman Path Today
The dream’s message continues to guide us. In 1990, under Sheikh Nazım’s encouragement, a group of seekers founded the “New Ottomans” in Berlin, proclaiming that the society would be “the divine vengeance of Allah.” Since then, the Royal Ottoman Society has expanded across Europe, offering:
- Spiritual gatherings grounded in Sufi practice.
- Educational resources through our library and publications.
- Community support via our charitable (sadaka) initiatives.
Our work remains a living embodiment of the dream: honoring saints, serving humanity, and preparing for the eventual restoration of a unified Islamic caliphate.
If you feel called to join this unfolding journey—whether through regular gatherings, study, or supporting our new Dergah in Germany—we welcome you. Become a member of the Royal Ottoman Society and become part of a tradition that bridges past glory with present purpose.
Become a member today and help keep the flame of the Ottoman path alight.
