On the evening of 2 November 2019 the Royal Ottoman Society gathered at the “Golden Apple” in Rome for a night of dhikr (zikir) and ilahi music. Guided by Sheikh Bahauddin Adil and Ayberk Efendi, participants entered a timeless space where Ottoman-Sufi traditions met the heart of Rome.
A Sacred Circle Beneath Roman Skies
The gathering began with the call to remembrance – soft yet firm recitations of the divine names. As the verses unfolded, ordinary chatter gave way to a shared breath of devotion, and the rhythm of dhikr grew steadier, inviting each heart to align with the presence of God.
Whirling as an Embodiment of Divine Love
When the dervishes stepped into the circle, their skirts swirled like petals in a gentle wind. Each turn was not a performance but a living prayer, a visible expression of surrender and love – the classic Sufi image of “the seeker becomes the sought,” shedding ego and opening to the infinite.
Sheikh Bahauddin’s voice led the ilahi chants, while Ayberk Efendi gave subtle cues on posture and intention. Together they created a seamless flow between spoken dhikr, melodic ilahi and the moving prayer of whirling – a reminder that worship can be felt as much in movement as in words.
Bridging Cultures Through Spiritual Rhythm
Holding an Ottoman Sufi night in Rome, a crossroads of faiths for centuries, highlighted the timeless nature of these practices. Attendees – from long-standing members of our community to curious locals – shared a moment in which cultural heritage and spiritual longing became one.
The evening closed in collective silence, each participant carrying the lingering resonance of dhikr into the streets of Rome. The Sufi path is not confined to any single place; its call is heard wherever seekers gather in love and remembrance.
If this night speaks to you and you wish to explore daily zikrs, prayers or the names of the Ashab-ı Bedir, our online library offers a wealth of resources: https://royalottomans.com/kutuphane
To be part of future gatherings like this one, consider becoming a member of the Royal Ottoman Society: https://royalottomans.com/membership
