On the evening of 2 November 2019, the Royal Ottoman Society gathered beneath the historic arches of the “Golden Apple” in Rome for a night dedicated to dhikr (zikir) and ilahi music. Guided by Sheikh Bahauddin Adil and Ayberk Efendi, participants entered a timeless space where Ottoman‑Sufi traditions met the heart of the Vatican city’s bustling capital.
A Sacred Circle Beneath Roman Skies
The gathering began with the resonant call to remembrance—soft yet firm recitations of divine names that seemed to echo through the stone walls. As the verses unfolded, the atmosphere shifted from ordinary chatter to a shared breath of devotion. The rhythm of dhikr grew steadier, inviting each heart to align with the universal pulse of God’s presence.
Whirling as an Embodiment of Divine Love
When the dervishes stepped into the circle, their skirts swirled like petals caught in a gentle wind. Each turn was not merely a performance but a living prayer, a visual expression of surrender and love. The whirling invoked the classic Sufi metaphor: “the seeker becomes the sought,” as bodies spun inward, shedding ego and opening to the infinite.
Sheikh Bahauddin’s voice guided the participants through the ilahi chants, while Ayberk Efendi offered subtle cues on posture and intention. Together they created a seamless flow between spoken dhikr, melodic ilahi, and the kinetic prayer of whirling—reminding everyone present that worship can be felt as much in movement as in words.
Bridging Cultures Through Spiritual Rhythm
Holding an Ottoman Sufi night within Rome’s historic precinct highlighted the timeless nature of these practices. The city, a crossroads of faiths for centuries, provided a fitting backdrop for a tradition that itself traverses borders and epochs. Attendees—from longtime members of our community to curious locals—experienced a moment where cultural heritage and spiritual longing merged into one luminous experience.
The evening concluded with a collective silence, each participant carrying the lingering vibration of dhikr in their hearts as they stepped back onto Roman streets. It was a reminder that the Sufi path is not confined to any single geography; its call resonates wherever seekers gather in love and remembrance.
If you feel moved by the spirit of this night and wish to explore daily zikrs, prayers, or the names of the Ashab‑i Badr, our online library offers a wealth of resources: https://royalottomans.com/kutuphane.
To become part of future gatherings like this one, consider joining us as a member of the Royal Ottoman Society: https://royalottomans.com/membership.
