In this sohbet, Sheikh Bahauddin describes today’s Turkish Republic as the sole bastion of Islam in a world where sectarian divisions threaten to split the Ummah. Our identity as heirs of the Ottoman legacy, he says, calls us to see Turkey not merely as a nation-state but as a spiritual citadel – “the last fortress” protecting the true path of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Sheikh Bahauddin explains that when a single power gathers in one place, every Muslim is obliged to pledge allegiance to it. In today’s context he identifies the Turkish people, represented by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the AKP, as that unifying force. Whether we personally like or criticise them should be set aside; the higher duty is to safeguard the Ummah. He warns against letting non-Muslim interests exploit disputes among Muslims, recalling Sultan Abdülhamid Han’s resistance to foreign scheming.
According to the Sheikh, Turkey alone remains the “one castle” where Islam can thrive unhindered. If this fortress fell, the world would split into competing currents – Salafi, Wahhabi, Shia or apostate movements – with no single beacon of the true Sunnah. The community must therefore awaken, recognise Turkey’s pivotal role and stand firmly behind its leadership as an act of obedience to Allah, His Messenger and “the Greatest Command” (La ilaha illa Allah Muhammadun rasulullah).
We are called to set aside personal interests, grudges and partisan quarrels and unite under the banner of Ottoman heritage. In doing so, we fulfil our shared responsibility to protect the faith, so that Turkey may continue to shine as the “mihrâb” (lamp) for Muslims worldwide.
May this reminder deepen our commitment and keep the spirit of the Ottoman legacy alive in every prayer and action. Join our community to stay connected with fellow seekers: enderun.royalottomans.com/feed
