On a bright summer evening in Grenoble, the Royal Ottoman Society welcomed friends and seekers to a gathering of nasheed, dhikr and Qur’an recitation, one stop of the “Mawlana on Tour” series that brings Sufi devotion and Ottoman heritage to cities across France.
The evening began with traditional nasheeds, their melodies inviting every heart to remember the Divine Presence. The atmosphere then softened into collective dhikr, in which young and old, locals and visitors joined in rhythmic remembrance. The simple repetition of “Allah” filled the hall and created a unity beyond language and background.
After the dhikr, Mawlana led a reflective reading from the Qur’an, accompanied by a gentle translation so that those unfamiliar with Arabic could follow the meaning. Listeners described it as “a soothing balm for the soul.”
The evening also offered time for sohbet, informal conversation in which members shared personal insights, asked questions about Sufi practice and exchanged stories from Ottoman history, reaffirming the community’s commitment to inner transformation and to preserving a rich cultural legacy.
We are grateful to everyone who attended, sang and listened with an open heart. Such gatherings remind us that the path of love and remembrance is always present, wherever we travel.
If you would like to join future events or deepen your connection with our Sufi tradition, consider becoming a member of the Royal Ottoman Society or joining our online community:
