What were the major differences between the Ottoman Empire and the Ottoman Caliphate?

The Ottoman Empire was a vast empire that lasted from 1299 to 1923, with its capital at Istanbul, Turkey. The empire was ruled by a Sultan and was primarily secular, with a legal system based on a mix of Islamic, European and Ottoman laws. The Ottoman Caliphate, on the other hand, was the spiritual and political leader of the Islamic world and was held by the Ottoman Sultan from 1517 to 1924. The Caliphate was considered the successor to the Islamic Prophet Muhammad and was responsible for interpreting Islamic law, religious leadership, and carrying out the jihad.

One of the major differences between the Ottoman Empire and the Ottoman Caliphate was their scope of authority. While the Ottoman Empire was primarily secular and had a legal system based on a mix of Islamic, European and Ottoman laws, the Ottoman Caliphate was primarily religious and was responsible for interpreting Islamic law and carrying out the jihad. Another major difference was the source of their authority. The Ottoman Empire derived its authority from the Sultan, who was considered the head of state and the ultimate authority on matters of governance. The Ottoman Caliphate, on the other hand, derived its authority from the Islamic faith, and the Sultan was considered the spiritual leader of the Islamic world.

Despite these differences, the Ottoman Empire and the Ottoman Caliphate were intertwined and deeply connected. The Ottoman Sultan was not only the secular leader of the empire but also held the position of the Caliph, making him the spiritual leader of the Islamic world. This duality of authority helped the Ottoman Empire to become a major player on the world stage, as it was able to unite both the Islamic and secular worlds under its banner.