Shaykh Abdul Hakim Murad shared some fascinating insights about Turkey’s unique blend of ancient traditions and modern life. He spoke about Edirne, a historic town in Turkey that was an important center of Islamic knowledge during the Ottoman Empire. Near the grand mosque in Edirne, there’s an old hospital, now turned into a museum, that used to treat mental illnesses with music therapy.

Patients would be brought out by the physician, and musicians would play specific tunes based on their symptoms, believing the music could help heal them. Though the museum’s displays—wax figures in traditional outfits—are a bit outdated, you can still get a sense of how the therapy worked.

This tradition of healing through music wasn’t unique to Edirne; there’s a similar history in Damascus and other parts of the Islamic world. Interestingly, this practice is still alive today—you can even buy recordings of therapeutic Ottoman music in Istanbul.

He also mentioned another ancient therapy still practiced in some parts of Turkey: the use of horses. The rhythmic movement of riding a horse was believed to help people with mental health issues, a tradition that predates Islam but has been preserved in Turkish culture.

Finally, he touched on the therapeutic benefits of singing. In some cases, people with asthma are trained to use their voices in a way that helps open up their airways. Singing can improve the function of the vocal cords, counteracting the effects of modern urban lifestyles and pollution. It’s not just about the physical benefits; singing also nurtures emotional and mental well-being.

Turkey, he said, is an intriguing place—modern in many ways but still holding on to ancient practices that continue to benefit people today.