A century after the collapse of the Ottoman Caliphate, debates over Muslim unity continue to resonate across the globe. The disintegration of the Caliphate in the aftermath of the First World War not only marked the fall of a political institution but also shattered a unifying symbol of collective leadership for the global Muslim community.
During the war, thousands of Indian soldiers under the British Indian Army were deployed against the Ottoman Empire, then the seat of the last Caliphate. For many Muslims, this remains a painful memory—one where colonial powers forced Muslims to fight fellow Muslims, underscoring the divisions sown by imperial rule.
Today, the absence of a unified Muslim voice is still felt deeply. Across the Muslim world, calls for stronger solidarity are growing. Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has long advocated for the idea of “One Muslim Nation”—a structure similar to the European Union, with shared policies, a single market, and a unified visa system for over a billion Muslims.
Some also view Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a figure embodying aspects of Caliphal leadership assertive, independent, and vocal in championing Muslim causes on the international stage. While the notion of reinstating the Caliphate in its historical form remains contentious, the push for greater cooperation within the Muslim world is gaining momentum.
Analysts say the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), currently a loose alliance of 57 member states, could serve as the foundation for deeper integration through economic cooperation, shared defense strategies, and cultural initiatives.
“The dream of one Muslim dinner table, a unified travel system, and coordinated global policies is not just idealistic,” one observer noted. “It reflects a growing urgency for Muslims to reclaim dignity, independence, and a stronger voice in global affairs.”
The question now is whether this vision can move beyond rhetoric into actionable policies that bind the Muslim world closer together, a century after the fall of its last unifying institution.
Senior Reporter at AMN News Agency, known for his insightful journalism and in-depth coverage of current events.
