In a conceptual way, a caliphate is understood to be that political system represented as a sovereign state of the entire Muslim faith, governed by an entity called "caliph" under Islamic law known as "sharia". Also the caliphate is described as a unique political system of the ideology of Islam that represents unity in reference to the leader of the umma or Muslim community. Since its inception it is stated that this phenomenon was led by the disciples of Muhammad, continuing the religious system established by the prophet himself, which is known as the "Caliphates of Rashidun." When speaking of "caliph" reference is made to the successor of Muhammad meaning that he will be the leader of the Muslim community. the term was developed by the leaders of the great Muslim empires that existed in the Middle East after the death of Muhammad.
When the Prophet Muhammad died in 632 during the Christian era, Bakr took over as the spiritual and administrative leader of the Muslim community. Eventually, the caliphate evolved from one more elected office to one of the dynasty. The first clan to dominate was the Umayyad clan, which gave way to the Abbasid clan. Other contenders for the title, such as the Fatimid dynasty, also claimed the title from time to time. Eventually, the remnants of the Abbasid dynasty transferred the title to the Ottoman Sultan in 1517 The Turks abolished the office in 1923.
According to the Sunni branch of Islam, it is stated that as head of state, a caliph must be elected by the Muslims or their representatives. However, the followers of Shiite Islam believe that a caliph must be an Imam chosen by God or Allah.
