On a winter morning in 2016, the Royal Ottoman Society welcomed Sheikh Bahauddin Adil Efendi to our hall in Ludwigshafen. Ayberk Efendi introduced the occasion, and members, seekers and curious guests gathered as the Sheikh presented his latest work, “Under the Wings of the Sultan 2”.
The new volume continues the journey of the first, tracing how Ottoman political authority and spiritual practice were intertwined. Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi brings together archival anecdotes, poetry from the ashâb-i Badr and reflections on how the patronage of the sultans helped the Sufi orders flourish over the centuries. Readers are invited to contemplate the balance between worldly responsibility and inner purification – a theme close to our own community’s pursuit of love (maḥabba) and service (khidma).
In his presentation, the Sheikh highlighted three insights from the book:
- The Sultan as a spiritual protector – many sultans were not only political leaders but also guardians of the mystical tradition, providing endowments that allowed the lodges to thrive.
- The continuity of the tariqa in modern life – the teachings of the early Ottoman saints remain practical, encouraging today’s seekers to live humility and compassion amid modern distractions.
- The power of narrative – by retelling the stories of past masters, we keep their wisdom alive for every generation.
Afterwards, participants looked through copies of the book, exchanged reflections and asked the Sheikh about his research. The conversation turned to the importance of community spaces, such as our library and study circles, in preserving the Ottoman heritage for future generations.
We are grateful to Sheikh Bahauddin Adil Efendi for sharing his scholarship and spiritual insight, and to Ayberk Efendi for hosting the event.
If you would like to join a circle where such teachings are discussed regularly, please visit our community page. Details on “Under the Wings of the Sultan 2” and other publications of the Society can be found on our publications page.
