In the gentle evening of October 2018 our historic hall in Ludwigshafen welcomed seekers once more for Ottoman Sufi Night. The gathering centered on the beloved dhikr sequence “Allah Hu Allah,” a practice that opens the heart and steadies the breath within the Ottoman‑Sufi tradition. This recording captures Part 4 of the series, led by Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi together with Ayberk Efendi.
From the first resonant syllable “Allah Hu” the room seemed to inhale as one living organism. The steady intonation of God’s name created a ripple that settled into every participant’s chest. Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi’s voice, rich with centuries‑old Ottoman melodic nuance, guided the chant’s rhythm while Ayberk Efendi wove gentle counter‑phrases that lifted the melody toward an ecstatic peak.
The repetition of “Hu” – the hidden essence of God in Sufi terminology – reminded us that beyond the spoken word lies a silent, ever‑present reality. In this moment the divine name became both a personal whisper and a communal roar, inviting each listener to quiet the ego’s chatter and attune to inner stillness.
Deepening the Experience
While the earlier parts introduced breathwork and melodic structure, Part 4 extended the phraseology into longer cycles, allowing a sustained immersion in the name. Ayberk Efendi subtly slowed the tempo, creating spacious pauses that felt like breaths of contemplation between repetitions. Those silences revealed where true connection with the Divine often arises – not in sound alone but in the quiet that follows.
Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi’s occasional exclamation “Ya Allah” punctuated the chant, echoing the Sufi tradition of blending structured dhikr with spontaneous supplication. Candles flickered, incense rose gently, and a sense of timelessness settled over the gathering. Participants reported an inner cooling – a spiritual balm that lingered long after the final “Allah Hu Allah” faded.
We invite you to continue this journey together. Join our community for future gatherings, explore our library of teachings, or become a member of the Royal Ottoman Society to stay connected with the living heritage of Ottoman‑Sufi spirituality. More information is available on our Community page.
May the echo of “Allah Hu Allah” continue to resonate within your heart, guiding you toward deeper remembrance and peace.
