On the evening of 12 March 2016 the Royal Ottoman Society welcomed seekers, students and friends to the historic Theater im Pfalzbau in Ludwigshafen for the ninth part of its Ottoman Sufi Night series. The night was led by Sheikh Bahauddin Adil, whose presence has become a familiar and beloved part of the Society’s program of sohbet and dhikr.
A setting of reverence and history
The Pfalzbau provided an intimate backdrop for the evening. The soft glow of lanterns evoked the atmosphere of traditional Ottoman lodges, a reminder that this was a space for the heart‑centered remembrance that has flourished for centuries. The Royal Ottoman Society’s emblem—a tughra intertwined with a rose—was displayed on the stage, underscoring the continuity between historical heritage and contemporary practice.
Sheikh Bahauddin’s guidance
Sheikh Bahauddin opened the gathering with a short invocation, inviting the audience to set aside worldly concerns and turn inward. He then guided participants through dhikr (remembrance), drawing on classical Sufi poetry that celebrates the divine love permeating all creation. The intention of each night is the same: to awaken the heart, soften the ego, and create a space in which the seeker can sense the subtle presence of the Nur (light) within.
Throughout the evening, Sheikh Bahauddin offered brief reflections on patience on the path, the importance of sincere intention (niyyah), and the transformative power of collective prayer. Though the talk was concise, its resonance lingered and encouraged participants to carry the night’s insights into their daily lives.
Community and continuity
The Ottoman Sufi Night series has become more than a single event; it weaves together history, spirituality, and community in Ludwigshafen. Part 9 continued this legacy and reinforced the Society’s mission to offer an accessible space for those drawn to Sufi wisdom while honoring the cultural heritage of the Ottoman era.
If you felt inspired by Sheikh Bahauddin’s teachings or simply wish to explore Sufism within a supportive community, we invite you to join our membership or become part of the broader conversation on our community page. Together we keep the flame of remembrance alive—one night, one verse, and one heart at a time.
