In this sohbet, Ayberk Efendi, founder of the Royal Ottoman Society (Osmanlı Topluluğu Devleti), describes how a personal wish to keep Ottoman heritage alive has grown into a network of cultural evenings, scholarly collaboration and lasting ties between Ottoman-Turkish tradition and German society.
A Vision Rooted in Migration
Ayberk Efendi came to Germany in 1970. Living abroad, he felt the need to preserve the richness of Ottoman history for future generations. In 1990 he formally established the Royal Ottoman Society, and public activities began in 2013 along the Lütut coastline. The Society’s purpose is simple yet profound: to present Ottoman culture as a living tradition that can be experienced, learned from and cherished worldwide.
Partnerships That Open Doors
A turning point came in 2010, when Ayberk Efendi met Volker Schaffer, then president of the German-Prussian community. Their friendship has continued into 2024 and has led to introductions to a number of European aristocratic families: princes, dukes and heirs to royal thrones. Collaborations have grown with Prince Eduard von Anhalt (a cousin of King Charles), with descendants of the House of Saxony and with Alexander von Bismarck. These relationships offer a respectful platform for sharing Ottoman art, music and literature in noble circles across Europe.
Ottoman Nights in Capital Cities
The Society’s “Ottoman Nights” have become celebrated gatherings that combine history with contemporary creativity:
- In Rome, a two-year series brought Ottoman melodies into grand historic venues.
- In London, an evening titled Seratov Ilası paired traditional Ottoman performances with modern British artistry.
- In Berlin (2014), the gala at Charlottenburg Palace honoured Sultan Abdülhamid II and Kaiser Wilhelm II and drew the attention of Turkish national television.
Each event offers authentic cuisine, poetry and music, inviting guests to experience a heritage that is both historic and alive today.
Reviving Turkish-German Historical Bonds
Ayberk Efendi emphasises that the Turkish-German relationship stretches back 323 years, to around 1701. Although this long connection is rarely mentioned in German textbooks, the Society works to bring it to public awareness. Through concerts, lectures and exhibitions with distinguished partners, it seeks to rekindle a shared cultural memory among young people of both nations and to foster respect, affection and lasting friendship.
Looking Ahead – An Invitation
The goal is simple: peace begins with understanding one another in our own circles, and from there it spreads outward. Ayberk Efendi invites everyone who wishes to experience Ottoman culture first-hand to join upcoming gatherings and to explore the Society’s digital resources.
Join an upcoming live meeting – https://royalottomans.com/live-meetings
Explore the Society’s library – https://royalottomans.com/kutuphane
