In this sohbet, the Royal Ottoman Society spoke about its outreach to those who feel excluded from traditional spiritual spaces. Ayberk Efendi described a new initiative in Mannheim that is meant to be more than a conventional tekke: a welcoming centre with the atmosphere of a wedding hall, offering young people meaningful activities, Sufi music and a sense of belonging.
He began with the many young people who are turned away from mosques or tekkes for superficial reasons: long hair, unconventional clothing or a supposed lack of upbringing. Pushed toward the streets, they find only doors that lead deeper into despair. In response, the Society has created what it calls a “Mevlana gate”: not an escape from Islam, but a compassionate entrance for those whose paths have been blocked elsewhere. The project is guided by a Naqshbandi sheikh who ensures that every activity remains rooted in authentic Sufi practice.
Ayberk Efendi outlined what the Mannheim centre offers:
- A Sufi music ensemble that records CDs, an artistic outlet that respects tradition while speaking to contemporary ears.
- Workshops, lectures and published books that nurture both heart and mind.
- A “Mehter” calendar that preserves Ottoman musical heritage and engages participants in disciplined rehearsal.
These initiatives are already bearing fruit: young people now gather in a safe, structured environment instead of drifting toward harmful influences. The centre is also a place of cultural exchange, where the legacy of Ottoman spirituality meets modern challenges.
Special thanks went to Mehmet Küçük Bey, whose expertise as both psychologist and theologian has shaped the project’s therapeutic side. His humility, his preference for genuine service over trophies and his focus on lasting spiritual impact have inspired volunteers and participants alike. His work reminds us that true value lies not in paper credentials but in deeds that endure.
The sohbet closed with a reflection: what matters is not only entering the “gate” but how one comes out of it, the transformation that follows. With Allah’s grace and shared dedication, the Royal Ottoman Society will continue to open doors for those seeking refuge, purpose and love.
For more on our heritage and projects, explore our Library.
