The Royal Ottoman Society gathered in the cultural courtyard in Ludwigshafen to celebrate our shared heritage. Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi, son and successor of Sheikh Nazim Hazretleri, and Ayberk Efendi presented an authentic mehter performance, the music of the Ottoman military band. The deep beats of the davul and the bright sound of the zurna filled the open air, recalling the rhythm that once accompanied Ottoman soldiers.
Beyond the powerful rhythms, the gathering became a living prayer. Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi briefly explained the historical and spiritual meaning of each piece, while Ayberk Efendi encouraged everyone to feel the music as an expression of unity under the Divine.
If you wish to learn more about the mehter tradition and other aspects of Ottoman spiritual culture, we invite you to explore our digital library.
