In a heartfelt gathering in Schwerin, where the federal states of Germany convened, Ayberk Efendi honored the long‑standing bond between the former Kingdom of Prussia and the Ottoman Empire. He reminded listeners that this friendship stretches back more than three centuries, beginning with diplomatic exchanges after 1871 and reinforced by personal visits of Emperor Wilhelm II to Istanbul.
The speech wove together history, gratitude, and symbolism. Ayberk Efendi spoke of the mutual respect shown by past rulers—how Wilhelm II presented a ceremonial stone to the Ottoman court, an emblem that still represents solidarity today. To mark this enduring connection, he presented a similar stone to Frank, the honorary president of the Royal Ottoman Society, declaring it “a token of our love and shared purpose.” The gesture was accompanied by generous refreshments—popcorn, coffee, tea, and Turkish lokum—offered as a warm invitation for all present to partake in the celebration.
Beyond the ceremonial aspects, Ayberk Efendi emphasized the society’s mission: fostering peace, cultural exchange, and genuine people‑to‑people links across nations. By recalling the humorous wisdom of Hodja Nasreddin—a figure whose stories have traveled across centuries—he highlighted how laughter and insight can bridge divides as effectively as formal treaties.
The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, reflecting a collective hope that the historic friendship will continue to inspire contemporary efforts toward understanding and harmony among peoples.
We invite all who feel moved by this legacy to join our community, share in future gatherings, and support the ongoing work of the Royal Ottoman Society. You can learn more and become part of our circle here: https://royalottomans.com/community/.
