In this heartfelt sohbet, we recall the cherished moments that connect us to Sheikh Nazım Hazretleri, as recounted by Ayberk Efendi. The reflections weave together personal pilgrimage, inter‑cultural fellowship, and subtle teachings that continue to illuminate our Sufi path.
Our recollections begin with the family journey to Cyprus in 2012. That visit remains vivid for many of us: the island’s landscape mirrored scenes we had already known, yet it also revealed a broader tapestry of faith. We were reminded that Islam thrives far beyond Anatolia’s borders, taking shape wherever believers gather. Among those who accompanied us were an English brother who led our prayers and a Russian muezzin whose voice resonated across the courtyard—living examples of the diverse ummah that Sheikh Nazım celebrated.
A particularly moving episode concerns the practice of “seniyye,” the prophetic tradition of brief travel. While conversing, Sheikh Nazım noted his advancing years and modest ailments, then asked to be taken for a short journey. He entered a vehicle, rode for fifteen minutes, returned, and demonstrated that even a fleeting movement can revitalize the spirit and embody the Prophet’s guidance to travel when possible. This simple act showed how repetition deepens spiritual beauty and reminds us of the value of humble mobility.
The sohbet also touched upon our own lineage. Ayberk Efendi spoke of his father’s education at Istanbul’s İmam Hatip High School, where one of the teachers—Alasonyalı Mim Cemal Öğüt Hoca—served both as imam of Fatih Camii and as a mentor to Sheikh Nazım Hazretleri. The teacher’s love for subtle knowledge (“latife”) and humility left an imprint on his students, linking generations of seekers across borders. This shared heritage underscores how the transmission of wisdom transcends time and geography.
From these memories emerges a broader reflection on the many paths that lead to the same truth. While routes differ—shaped by language, nationality, or personal circumstance—they ultimately converge at the single point of the Prophet’s message. Recognizing this unity guards us against fragmentation and keeps alive the rich Ottoman‑Sufi heritage embodied by figures such as Sultan Alparslan, Hazrat Mevlana Rumi, and Sheikh Edebali.
We are grateful for these stories and for the invisible “keramet” that draws seekers together, whether in Europe or the heartlands of the Ottoman tradition. May they continue to inspire us to walk side by by on the illuminated path.
If you wish to deepen your connection with our living tradition, we invite you to join one of our upcoming live gatherings where such memories are shared and cherished: Live meetings.
May Allah’s blessings be upon Sheikh Nazım Hazretleri and all who keep his spirit alive.
