Ayberk Efendi gathered his carefully recreated Saltanat Mehter ensemble for a second performance before Sheikh Nazım Hazretleri. The musicians, playing authentic instruments – zurna, nakkare and large bass drums – opened with the cadence that once accompanied Ottoman soldiers on the march. As the rhythm rolled through the hall, Sheikh Nazım gave his silent blessing, and the repeated “Amin” from the audience rose like a shared prayer of gratitude and hope.
For us at the Royal Ottoman Society, moments like this show how living tradition connects history and spirituality: the martial melodies of the Mehter become a path to contemplation. We are grateful to Ayberk Efendi and his musicians for preserving this art and look forward to future gatherings where sound and spirit meet.
Discover more about Ottoman musical traditions in the Royal Ottoman Society Library.
