The Idea of the Caliphate

Published: Oct. 20, 2014, 8 p.m.

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What is a caliphate? What ideals does such an Islamic state embody - and how could or should it be implemented? Analysis consults a range of voices to explore how the concept has evolved and has been expressed over the centuries. Edward Stourton talks to historians, religious scholars and political thinkers who offer their perspectives on caliphates of the past, the revivalist rhetoric of the present and the beliefs shared by many Muslims about its future return.

Contributors:\\nProf Hugh Kennedy, School of Oriental and African Studies\\nSheikh Ruzwan Mohammed, Sunni theologian and scholar\\nRebecca Mastertron, Shiite commentator\\nDr Reza Pankhurst, author, "The Inevitable Caliphate?"\\nDr Caroline Finkel, author, "Osman\'s Dream: the History of the Ottoman Empire"\\nDr Salman Sayyid, Leeds University, author, "Recalling the Caliphate"\\nDr Abdou Filali Ansary, Aga Khan University

Presenter: Edward Stourton\\nProducer: Polly Hope.

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