On the evening of 12 March 2016 the Royal Ottoman Society gathered in Ludwigshafen’s historic Pfalzbau theatre for an “Ottoman Sufi Night”. Guided by Sheikh Bahauddin Adil, the evening brought together Ottoman-rooted spirituality, traditional music and heartfelt fellowship.
The first notes of ney and daf invited everyone to pause, breathe and turn inward toward the Divine Presence. Sheikh Bahauddin then led a series of dhikr chants, with verses that have resonated across Ottoman lands for generations, drawing each listener deeper into remembrance.
After the musical opening, Sheikh Bahauddin spoke about the balance between outward service and inner purification, a core principle of Ottoman Sufism. True love on the path, he said, is cultivated through sincere intention (niyya) and compassionate action (ʿamal); humility before God goes hand in hand with active care for the well-being of the community.
The night closed with a collective dhikr, leaving a sense of peace that many carried home with them.
We are grateful to all who joined us for this first part of the Ottoman Sufi Night series. To continue exploring this tradition, visit our Library or join our upcoming Live Meetings.
