Time line for The Islamic Caliphate
The Islamic Caliphate can refer to different historical periods and empires in Islamic history. Here is a general timeline:
1. Rashidun Caliphate (632-661): This was the first Islamic caliphate established after the death of Prophet Muhammad. It was led by four caliphs successively: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali.
2. Umayyad Caliphate (661-750): After the assassination of Ali, the Umayyad dynasty came to power and established their caliphate, with Damascus as their capital. They expanded the empire across North Africa, the Middle East, and even reached the Iberian Peninsula.
3. Abbasid Caliphate (750-1258): In 750, the Abbasids overthrew the Umayyads and established their caliphate with Baghdad as the capital. This period is often considered the golden age of Islamic civilization, with advancements in science, philosophy, and art.
4. Fatimid Caliphate (909-1171): The Fatimids, an Ismaili Shia dynasty, established their caliphate in North Africa, particularly in modern-day Egypt. They controlled significant parts of North Africa and the Levant, including Jerusalem.
5. Almohad Caliphate (1147-1269): The Almohads were a North African Berber Muslim dynasty that overthrew the Almoravids and established their caliphate. They expanded their control across North Africa and Southern Spain.
6. Ottoman Caliphate (1517-1924): The Ottoman Empire, under Sultan Selim I, captured the Abbasid caliphate and declared the Ottoman sultan as the caliph. This empire expanded its territories to the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Europe. The caliphate was abolished in 1924 by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey.
It is important to note that terms like "Islamic Caliphate" can also be used to refer to modern-day jihadist groups like ISIS, who have declared their own caliphate.