Esselamu Aleykum ve Rahmetullah ve Berekatuhu. At the Royal Ottoman Headquarters in Ludwigshafen we welcomed Princess Dr. Theophana of Saxony, Volker Schapke – honorary president of the Prussian Society – and a gathering of friends eager to explore the deep‑rooted ties between our peoples.
From 2010 onward Ayberk Efendi has been meeting regularly with members of the Berlin Prussian community at the Hilton Hotel. Together they have devoted themselves to reconstructing the cultural bridge that once linked Ottoman and Prussian courts. Their collaboration blossomed into a series of events, most notably the historic gala held in 2014 inside Charlottenburg Palace – a venue that had never before hosted such a gathering. The evening celebrated the friendship of Kaiser Wilhelm II and Sultan Abdul‑Hamid II, bringing together European princes, Turkish dignitaries, and scholars to honor a shared legacy.
The narrative they highlighted is far older than any recent ceremony. In 1701, during the reign of Sultan Mustafa II, two Ottoman envoys were dispatched as congratulatory messengers when Frederick I was crowned King of Prussia. That exchange marked the beginning of a friendship that has now endured for over three centuries – 323 years without a single bullet exchanged between our nations.
Unfortunately, after the collapse of empires in 1918, historical narratives were rewritten, and the mutual respect forged by trade, art, cuisine, and scholarly exchange was largely omitted from school curricula. This silence allowed misunderstandings to fester, turning what should be remembered as a partnership into a story dominated by conflict.
Ayberk Efendi reminded us that history is richer than wars alone. Ottoman‑Prussian relations were marked by vibrant commercial links, cultural dialogues, and mutual assistance. Reviving these memories is not an academic exercise; it is a call to re‑establish the bridges of goodwill that once connected our peoples. By inviting scholars, princes, princesses, and ordinary citizens alike, the Society hopes this renewed friendship will endure for generations to come.
We are grateful to all who have traveled from distant lands to join us in this effort. May Allah guide us on this path of reconciliation and lasting brotherhood.
If you feel inspired by this shared heritage, we invite you to become part of our community and help keep the dialogue alive: https://royalottomans.com/community/.
