We recently returned from a memorable weekend in Berlin, where the Royal Ottoman Society welcomed distinguished guests—among them Prince Alexander von Bismarck and Prince Eduard von Anhalt—for heartfelt conversations about heritage, peace and the role of tradition in a rapidly changing world.
A Weekend of Dialogue and Heritage
The meeting began with a warm welcome to Albert Gefendi, who opened the programme with a short, inspiring talk. We recalled the Congress of Berlin of 1878, when Otto von Bismarck emphasized the need to support the Ottoman Empire and respect its autonomy. That call for mutual respect resonated strongly as we discussed today’s challenges, from the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to the humanitarian work being coordinated in Istanbul.
Our conversations highlighted the importance of preserving cultural customs while embracing modern life. Participants shared personal stories, from placing roses as symbols of peace around a historic tank to the old Berlin traditions linked to the city’s founding by Albrecht der Bär. These stories reminded us that traditions are not static relics but living bridges between past wisdom and present hopes.
Why Tradition Matters in a Changing World
Throughout the weekend, we explored how tradition can serve as an anchor in uncertain times. Hospitality, humility and service—values deeply rooted in both Ottoman and European history—give us a shared language for peace. Decorating a former weapon with 2,000 roses turned a symbol of conflict into a sign of hope, showing how old customs of generosity can change the stories we tell today.
The gathering also underlined each generation’s responsibility to safeguard these legacies. Whether through the daily recitation of zikr, the preservation of Ottoman culinary traditions or the stories that keep the memory of Berlin’s “little bear” alive, every small act adds to a larger fabric of cultural continuity.
We are grateful to everyone who took part and to the many friends who continue to support our mission. If you would like to join a community devoted to honouring the past while shaping a hopeful future, consider becoming a member of the Royal Ottoman Society. Together, we can keep the flame of tradition alive for generations to come.
