A caliphate is a traditional Islamic form of government led by a caliph, with a parliament-like body called a shura. It began after Muhammad’s death and was abolished in 1924 by Turkish President Atatürk. The Caliphate of Córdoba ruled the Iberian Peninsula in the 10th and 11th centuries. While some groups desire to restore the caliphate, there are differing opinions on how it should be established and run. US President George W. Bush opposes restoring the caliphate.
A caliphate is the traditional Islamic form of government, presided over by a caliph, either appointed or elected, who is considered the political leader of all Muslims. It also incorporates a shura, a parliament-like body, which represents the will of the people and can elect and/or advise the caliph. While originally, and ideally according to some, a caliphate – or the caliphate – is a single entity that unites all Muslims under its rule, at some points in history there have been competing and even competing ones.
The caliphate began after Muhammad’s death, the first four caliphs being his followers. The institution was intended to carry the legacy of Muhammad’s authority. Politically powerful Islamic entities throughout history, including the Ottoman Empire, were incarnations of this government. In 1924, Turkish President Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk abolished the caliphate.
While most of the caliphates have been centered in the Middle East and have exercised authority over Muslims around the world, a notable exception is the Caliphate of Córdoba which ruled the Iberian Peninsula during the 10th and 11th centuries. The Iberian Peninsula became part of the Islamic empire during the 8th century when the Umayyad Caliphate excluded Damascus. In 10, the Abassids overthrew the Umayyads in the Middle East, marking the beginning of a five-century dynasty. However, descendants of the Umayyads remained in control of Spain, eventually establishing a government there. Many of Spain’s most famous and beautiful buildings date from this period, including the Great Mosque of Córdoba.
While the caliphate in the Middle East was a significant political force in the world in the early 20th century, there have been no successful attempts to restore it. Several groups, including al-Qaeda, have expressed a desire or intention to re-establish this government. However, different groups have widely differing positions on the details of how such a caliphate would be established and run, and many who would favor restoring it are not political extremists. US President George W. Bush has spoken out vehemently against restoring the caliphate, which he said was a threat to world freedom.
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