In this warm sohbet we hear from Ayberk Efendi, founder of the Royal Ottoman Society (Osmanlı Topluluğu Devleti), about how a personal longing to keep Ottoman heritage alive has grown into a vibrant network of cultural evenings, scholarly collaborations and lasting ties between Turkish‑Ottoman traditions and German society.
A Vision Rooted in Migration
Ayberk Efendi arrived in Germany in 1970. While living abroad, he felt the need to preserve the richness of Ottoman history for future generations. In 1990 he formally established the Royal Ottoman Society, and public activities began to take shape in 2013 along the Lütut coastline. The society’s purpose is simple yet profound: to present Ottoman culture as a living tradition that can be experienced, learned from, and cherished worldwide.
Partnerships That Open Doors
A turning point came in 2010 when Ayberk Efendi met Bay Volker Schaffer, then president of the German‑Prussian Community. Their friendship has continued through to 2024, enabling introductions to a range of European aristocratic families—princes, dukes and heirs to royal thrones. Collaborations have been forged with members of the Prince Edward line (cousins of King Charles), descendants of the Saxon house, and representatives of the Alexander von Bismarck family. These relationships provide a respectful platform for sharing Ottoman art, music and literature within noble circles across Europe.
Ottoman Nights in Capital Cities
The Society’s “Ottoman Nights” have become celebrated gatherings that blend history with contemporary creativity:
- In Rome a two‑year series combined Ottoman melodies with the grandeur of ancient Roman venues.
- In London an evening titled Seratov Ilası paired traditional Ottoman performances with modern British artistry.
- In Berlin (2014) the gala “Şahşalatınburg” honored Sultan Abdülhamid and Kayseri İlham, drawing attention from Turkish national television.
Each event offers authentic cuisine, poetry recitals and musical ensembles, inviting participants to experience a heritage that feels both historic and alive today.
Reviving Turkish‑German Historical Bonds
Ayberk Efendi emphasizes that the Turkish‑German relationship stretches back 323 years, beginning around 1701. Although this long‑standing connection is rarely highlighted in standard German textbooks, the Society strives to bring it into public awareness. By organizing concerts, lectures and exhibitions with high‑profile partners, the Royal Ottoman Society aims to re‑ignite a shared cultural memory among young people of both nations, fostering mutual respect, love and enduring friendship.
Looking Ahead – An Invitation
The ultimate goal is simple: peace begins with understanding one another in our local circles, then expands outward. Ayberk Efendi invites everyone who wishes to explore Ottoman culture firsthand to join upcoming gatherings and to delve deeper through the Society’s digital resources.
Join an upcoming live meeting – https://royalottomans.com/live-meetings
Explore the Society’s library – https://royalottomans.com/kutuphane
