Caliphate and the Ottomans

The Caliphate and the Ottomans workshop aims to examine the historical development of the institution of the caliphate and the political significance of the title of caliphate for the Ottomans in two stages. In the first part, the theoretical and practical transformations of the caliphate since early Islamic history will be discussed within the framework of politics, jurisprudence and mysticism.

In the second part, the extent to which the annexation of Mecca and Medina to Ottoman territory in 1517 constituted a turning point for the Ottoman dynasty to assume the title of caliphate will be discussed. Then, the period of about three hundred years after Suleiman I (d. 1566) until the second half of the nineteenth century will be analyzed. The domestic political function of the title of caliphate for the Ottoman dynasty, which is argued to have had very limited political use during this period, will be discussed. In addition, the role of this title in the context of relations with Muslim states and the discourses and strategies developed by other Muslim dynasties against the Ottoman caliphate discourse will be evaluated from the perspective of case studies and long-term foreign policy.

The workshop is especially aimed at master’s and doctoral level students.

Knowledge of English is required for participation.

The deadline for application is April 5, 2025. Click here for application.