The Sufi tradition has been offering spiritual healing for centuries!

   

Dr. Arzu Eylül Yalçınkaya, faculty member at Üsküdar University’s Institute for Sufi Studies and a scholar at Harvard University’s Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) between 2022 and 2024, spoke about how Sufism contributes to the inner world of modern individuals, their daily lives, and social harmony in the 21st century.

Dr. Yalçınkaya emphasized that the Sufi tradition has provided spiritual healing for centuries, saying, “People today are under intense stress; their minds are constantly busy, and their hearts are weary. One of the solutions Sufism offers is the practice of staying in the present moment and placing trust in the Divine. A very simple dhikr (remembrance) or breathing exercise that can be practiced in daily life can reduce stress and help individuals reconnect with their inner center.”

Dr. Arzu Eylül Yalçınkaya from the Institute for Sufi Studies at Üsküdar University explained the timeless solutions Sufism offers to problems such as stress, loneliness, and a sense of meaninglessness that modern individuals face in the 21st century.

During her time at Harvard University’s Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) from 2022 to 2024 as a postdoctoral researcher, Dr. Yalçınkaya gave presentations and musical performances on Mevlevi Sufi music and developed academic projects on the healing effects of traditional Turkish modal music. She is currently involved in the workshop series titled “İki Doğunun Köprüsü” (A Bridge Between Two Easts), jointly conducted with Kyoto University, focusing on Sufi poetry and music. In this context, she explored how Sufism contributes to the inner life, daily practices, and social peace of modern individuals in the 21st century.

21st-century individuals in spiritual isolation

Pointing out that modern people live in a state of spiritual isolation, Dr. Arzu Eylül Yalçınkaya said, “At its core, Sufism guides individuals on their inner journey. It teaches us to nourish the neglected world of the heart and to purify the self through spiritual discipline. In the 21st century, people are more connected than ever technologically, yet many feel spiritually alone and purposeless. Sufism fills this void by offering individuals the opportunity to know themselves and their Creator. For example, there is a principle in Sufism: ‘He who knows himself knows his Lord.’ When a person turns inward and recognizes their ego, they discover the reflection of Divine truth within themselves. This process strengthens the sense of identity and meaning that modern individuals seek.”

Many people today are tossed about by stress and anxiety

Speaking about Sufism’s contribution to our inner world as a source of spiritual depth and peace, Dr. Yalçınkaya noted, “Many people today are tossed about by stress and anxiety; however, Sufi practices, such as dhikr (remembrance of God) or tafakkur (deep contemplation/meditation) , which is to calm the mind and soothe the heart. In my humble academic and personal experience, I have witnessed how Sufi poetry and music can touch people’s hearts directly. If the poetry of Mevlana Jalal al-Din Rumi continues to inspire millions today, centuries after it was written, it is precisely because Sufism speaks to deep human longings. Rumi’s message is universal: ‘We were created by love,’ he says, and the modern individual’s inner world can be revived by this message of love and compassion.”

Sufism has been a source of spiritual healing for centuries

Dr. Yalçınkaya reminded us that the Sufi tradition has offered spiritual healing for centuries: “People today are under intense stress; their minds are constantly busy, and their hearts are tired. One of the solutions Sufism proposes is the practice of being in the present moment and trusting in the Divine. Sufis advise us to value the present and surrender to God in matters beyond our control. This perspective surprisingly overlaps with the mindfulness and acceptance approaches found in modern psychology. For example, a very simple dhikr or breathing exercise that can be incorporated into daily life may reduce stress and help individuals return to their center.”

Traditional Turkish modal music has healing effects

Dr. Yalçınkaya noted that ancient physicians and Sufis attempted to treat various emotional states using modes such as rast, hüzzam, and segâh, and that she herself has conducted academic projects on the healing effects of traditional Turkish modal music. She said she personally witnessed the calming and unifying power of music at events such as “The Healing Effect of Makams” held at Harvard and Cambridge.

Stating that the feeling of loneliness is one of the greatest spiritual wounds of our time, Dr. Yalçınkaya said, “Sufism helps individuals feel that they are not alone; for according to this teaching, one is always in the presence and love of the Divine. In one of his quatrains, Rumi says: ‘Loneliness belongs to God alone; once you are with Him, you are never without anyone.’ Indeed, those who feel divine love in their hearts come to realize that they are part of a cosmic family. Additionally, Sufism has a tradition of sohbet (spiritual conversation) and dergah (Sufi lodge); people would gather in these lodges to engage in heartfelt conversation. While the lodges may no longer exist today, there is still a need for modern versions of this tradition.”

Sufism offers existential guidance to human beings

Speaking on the search for meaning, Dr. Arzu Eylül Yalçınkaya emphasized that Sufism offers existential guidance to individuals: “The modern person, asking ‘Why am I here? What is the purpose of life?’ can find answers to these questions in Sufi teachings. Sufism says: ‘You came into this world as a seed; you are here to reach maturity and bear fruit.’ That is, the purpose of human life is to realize one’s potential, attain spiritual maturity, and comprehend the Truth. This perspective provides a unique contribution in filling the existential void. Indeed, even in the field of positive psychology, the connection between spirituality, a sense of meaning, and happiness is increasingly emphasized.”

Chasing materialism can obstruct happiness

Dr. Yalçınkaya shared that she has presented talks on “Rumi and Happiness” at platforms such as the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA) and has observed how Rumi’s truths, expressed centuries ago, still have therapeutic power on a global scale today:
“Rumi emphasized that true happiness lies in connection with the spiritual source and warned that excessive worldly ambition disturbs inner peace. Modern science also reveals that chasing material wealth can hinder happiness. Thus, the lifestyle Sufism proposes, such as moderation, gratitude, love, and service, which can offer a powerful prescription for the psychological well-being that people seek today.”

Rumi’s spiritual path is a timeless source of inspiration

Commenting on the Mevlevi path, the spiritual tradition of Rumi, Dr. Yalçınkaya said:
“Today, when people travel to Konya and watch the Sema ceremony, they are not only witnessing an aesthetic ritual, but also a symbolic representation of the human search for truth. The whirling dervish’s movement whispers to modern people: ‘As you turn around your own axis, don’t forget your center; let God always be at the center.’ This message is a profound call for focus and grounding in an age of scattered minds. The principles of love and tolerance in Mevlevism also continue to illuminate our present day.”

The vast cultural heritage of Sufism remains a source of inspiration

Dr. Yalçınkaya stated that Sufi figures during the Ottoman era did not retreat inward in the face of modernization; rather, they sought to adapt the universal messages of Sufism to the new social structure: “Even today, the vast cultural heritage of Sufism, especially Mevlevism, continues to serve as a source of inspiration for both individual development and societal renewal.”

Dr. Arzu Eylül Yalçınkaya also noted one of the most beautiful aspects of Sufism: its ability to speak to people’s hearts regardless of language, religion, or culture: “In this sense, Sufism is remarkably effective as a tool for cultural diplomacy. Music is the universal language of Sufism. Through music and art, a heart-to-heart bridge can be built without the need for any translation.”

Sufi culture offers a common ground for dialogue across the globe

Explaining that Sufism’s universal messages also attract great interest on international dialogue platforms, Dr. Yalçınkaya said: “Rumi may be the most well-known Eastern poet-philosopher in today’s world; his poems have been translated into many languages and he remains one of the most widely read poets even in the United States. His invitation, which is summarized as ‘Come, come, whoever you are,’ is essentially a manifesto for peaceful coexistence. Sufi culture offers a shared platform for dialogue on a global scale.”

Sufism softens hearts

Highlighting that the core values of Sufism serve as a kind of leaven for social peace, Dr. Yalçınkaya concluded her remarks with the following: “Because Sufism instills virtues such as tolerance, humility, and service. If individuals in a society are shaped by these values, social peace will naturally be strengthened. When we look at the Ottoman era in history, the role of Sufi culture was significant in enabling different ethnic and religious groups to live together relatively harmoniously for centuries. Mevlevi lodges and Bektashi dergahs opened their doors not only to their members but to people from all walks of life; the poor were fed in soup kitchens, and travelers were hosted in guesthouses. These were tangible examples of social solidarity. Sufism, with its principle of ‘loving the created for the sake of the Creator,’ rejects othering. If people see the manifestation of the Divine in one another, differences cease to be a source of conflict and instead are seen as richness. By softening hearts and instilling compassion, Sufism contributes to the development of a culture of coexistence.”

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)