In a gathering that felt both timeless and urgently contemporary, the Royal Ottoman Society presented “Diriliş Vakti” – an evening dedicated to the spirit of renewal that runs through our Ottoman‑Sufi heritage. The programme brought together three distinguished figures: scholar‑author Mehmed Pala, cultural activist Tuğrul Selmanoğlu, and spiritual guide Ayberk Efendi. Together they illuminated how the legacy of the empire can inspire a fresh awakening in today’s seekers.
Mehmed Pala opened the dialogue by recalling the Ottoman Empire’s golden moments when knowledge, art and devotion intertwined. He highlighted historical episodes of cultural revival—such as Sultan Süleyman’s patronage of poetry and architecture—and drew parallels to our present moment, urging us to let that same energy flow through modern life.
Tuğrul Selmanoğlu then turned the discussion toward practical expression. He spoke about preserving Ottoman traditions in everyday practice: from the cadence of Turkish calligraphy to the communal rhythm of the zikir. His examples were grounded in local initiatives in Ludwigshafen, showing how a community can weave heritage into contemporary urban life without losing authenticity.
Finally, Ayberk Efendi offered a spiritual framing for “revival.” He reminded us that true diriliş begins within, through sincere remembrance of the Divine (dhikr) and an openness to surrender. By aligning inner transformation with outward action, the participants could embody the Ottoman ideal of insan‑ı kamil—the perfected human.
The evening concluded with a shared recitation of classic Ottoman verses, creating a palpable sense that the past is not merely a museum piece but a living source of inspiration. Attendees left with renewed purpose: to study, to act, and to pray in ways that honor both our ancestors and the future we are shaping together.
If you feel called to deepen this journey, consider joining our community of seekers or becoming a member of the Royal Ottoman Society. Together we can keep the flame of Diriliş Vakti burning bright.
