On the evening of 29 January 2016 the Royal Ottoman Society gathered in Mannheim, Germany, for a Sufi night led by Ayberk Efendi. Members and friends came together for dhikr, poetry and sohbet in the spirit of the Ottoman Sufi heritage.
The soft sound of the ney invited everyone to turn inward. Ayberk Efendi guided the gathering through a series of invocations, reminding us that the path of love and service begins with sincere remembrance of the Divine. Verses from classical Ottoman poets were recited and their meaning related to our lives in Europe today.
The night was also a sign of community: participants shared stories of personal transformation and encouraged one another on the journey toward inner peace. It ended with a shared meal, in keeping with the Sufi understanding that hospitality and generosity are part of worship.
If you would like to attend future gatherings, we invite you to become part of our community. Learn more about membership here and join the conversation with fellow seekers on our community page.
