Local Sufis open new restaurant in Franklin

A new restaurant that serves an eclectic mix of Turkish specialities and American diner classics is bringing together a Sufi Muslim community and its rural Catskills neighbors.
“More and more we are seeing less and less prejudice,” said café manager Erdem Kahyaoglu. “We want to share – our spiritual lessons and our bread. There’s a Sufi saying, ‘Come, come, whoever you are.’ And we have a sign on our door, ‘Welcome to those who come. Farewell to those who leave.’ So come.”
The Tulip and the Rose Café opened on July 5 in the Delaware County town of Franklin. It is owned and operated by the Osmanli Naksibendi Dergahi, a spiritual retreat center founded by Sufi Muslims that opened in the neighboring town of Sidney 12 years ago. The Sufi center was thrust into the national spotlight four years ago when the town tried to close a cemetery located on its property.









