In this sohbet, Ayberk Efendi shares memories that connect us to Sheikh Nazım Hazretleri: a family pilgrimage, fellowship across cultures, and quiet teachings that still light our path.
The recollections begin with the family journey to Cyprus in 2012. The island’s landscape mirrored scenes we already knew, yet it also showed how far Islam reaches beyond Anatolia, taking shape wherever believers gather. Among those present were an English brother who led the prayers and a Russian muezzin whose voice carried across the courtyard – living examples of the diverse ummah that Sheikh Nazım loved.
A particularly moving episode concerns the practice of “seniyye,” the prophetic tradition of brief travel. Speaking of his advancing years and minor ailments, Sheikh Nazım asked to be taken on a short journey. He got into a car, rode for fifteen minutes and returned – showing that even a short trip can revive the spirit and keep the Prophet’s guidance to travel when possible.
Ayberk Efendi also spoke of his father’s schooling at the İmam Hatip High School in Istanbul, where one of the teachers was Alasonyalı Mim Cemal Öğüt Hoca, imam of Fatih Camii and a mentor to Sheikh Nazım Hazretleri. His love of subtle knowledge (“latife”) and his humility left a mark on his students and link generations of seekers across borders.
From these memories comes a wider reflection: the paths are many, shaped by language, nationality and circumstance, yet they meet at the single point of the Prophet’s message. Recognising this unity guards us against division and keeps alive the Ottoman-Sufi heritage of figures such as Sultan Alparslan, Hazrat Mevlana Rumi and Sheikh Edebali.
We are grateful for these stories and for the hidden “keramet” that draws seekers together, in Europe and in the heartlands of the Ottoman tradition. May they inspire us to walk side by side on the illuminated path.
If you wish to deepen your connection with our living tradition, join one of our live gatherings, where such memories are shared: Live meetings.
May Allah’s blessings be upon Sheikh Nazım Hazretleri and all who keep his spirit alive.
