On the evening of 12 March 2016, the Royal Ottoman Society gathered in the historic Pfalzbau theatre in Ludwigshafen to celebrate Ottoman heritage and Sufi spirituality. The second part of the “Mehter Ottoman Sufi Night”, led by Sheikh Bahauddin Adil, joined the powerful Mehter drums with the gentle rhythm of Sufi chant.
The performance opened with the Janissary band – kettledrums, cymbals and zurna – echoing the grandeur of the Ottoman military tradition. Sheikh Bahauddin then guided the audience into dhikr (remembrance), with the Mehter ensemble providing a steady pulse. The meeting of martial vigour and spiritual serenity reminded us that true strength comes from surrender to the Divine.
For many, the night was a living bridge between past and present: an encounter with Ottoman cultural expression and a chance to deepen their own Sufi practice within our community.
If you would like to attend gatherings like this or become part of our family, consider joining our membership and visit the community page for upcoming events.
