Which empire was known for having the last Caliphate?

The Ottoman Empire is recognized for having the last Caliphate, which was officially abolished in 1924. The Caliphate is a form of Islamic government representing the political and religious unity of the Muslim community, and the Ottomans held this title after capturing the Islamic holy cities and establishing themselves as the dominant power in the Muslim world. The reign of the Ottoman sultans over the Caliphate symbolized the continuity of the Islamic authority that began with the early Caliphates, making the Ottoman Empire uniquely significant in the history of Islamic leadership.

In contrast, the Abbasid Empire, though historically important as a dominant Islamic Caliphate, had its influence peak earlier, falling into decline by the 13th century. The Umayyad Caliphate also preceded the Ottomans, being one of the first significant Islamic empires but ended in 750 CE. The Safavid Empire, while influential in shaping Persia and establishing Shia Islam, did not hold the title of Caliphate. Thus, the Ottoman Empire stands out as the last entity to hold this title, marking a significant conclusion to a long-standing historical institution within Islam.