At a warm gathering in the dergah of Sheikh Nazım Efendi in Ludwigshafen, Ayberk Efendi, psychologist, theologian and author, shared his reflections on the spiritual character of the Ottoman sultans. Surrounded by dervishes and members of the community, he answered questions from seekers who wish to understand how the rulers of the empire embodied the prophetic mission (kelimetullah) in their lives.
The Sultan as a Spiritual Warrior
Ayberk Efendi emphasized that the Ottoman dynasty did not merely inherit political authority; it consciously took up the Qur’anic call to convey the divine word. Many sultans, from the early founders to later reformers, saw themselves as Amir al‑Muʾminin (Commander of the Faithful) and also bore the mantle of the caliphate. This dual role led them to seek the guidance of learned sheikhs and mystics despite their worldly power.
He gave the example of Fatih Sultan Mehmed, whose ascent at the age of twenty‑two was accompanied by a deep sense of divine purpose. His closeness to the Prophet’s companions, symbolically likened to a six‑month “house‑sharing”, shows how Ottoman rulers aspired to live in the spirit of companionship (suhbah) with Allah’s Messenger, even though they never met him.
Misconceptions Shaped by Modern Media
The sohbet also addressed misconceptions spread by contemporary television dramas. Sensational portrayals, Ayberk Efendi warned, reduce the empire to harem intrigue and excess and obscure its genuine commitment to spirituality. They overlook the rigorous education, outward (zahir) knowledge in the madrasas and inward (batin) training in the tekkes and zaviyes, that nurtured both intellect and heart.
The Reality of Ottoman Ethics
Asked about accusations of alcohol consumption or misconduct by certain sultans, Ayberk Efendi replied that the archival record, though partly damaged over time, does not support these claims. The empire’s internal checks, guided by devout scholars and Sufi masters, ensured adherence to the sharia, and any isolated lapse would have been corrected quickly so that the divine trust (amanah) was not compromised.
A recurring theme was the limited worth of worldly honors such as diplomas or medals. Ayberk Efendi described his own academic titles as “paper” compared with the lasting strength of sincere devotion to Allah and the company of the righteous (awliya). He encouraged young seekers to look beyond outward recognition: true authority grows from humility, constant self‑examination and service to the Divine.
Continuing the Journey
The sohbet closed with a shared prayer for guidance and an invitation to future gatherings. Those who wish to deepen their practice are welcome at the Royal Ottoman Society’s live meetings, where seekers can take Bayʿah and join guided zikr and study.
May Allah bless our efforts and unite us on the path of truth.
Explore our live meetings: royalottomans.com/live-meetings
