Abdulmejid II
Ottoman·Male·20th century·Turkey
Abdulmejid II was the last Ottoman caliph, serving from 1922 to 1924, and head of the Osmanoğlu family from 1926 to 1944. He was also a notable artist and aesthete, interested in promoting art, literature, painting, and music in Turkey. Though elected by the Grand National Assembly, his caliphate was short-lived, and he spent his later years in exile.
Key Facts
- ›He was the last Ottoman caliph, holding the title from 1922 to 1924.
- ›He was elected caliph by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.
- ›Abdulmejid II was also a recognized artist, particularly in painting.
- ›He used the title 'Caliph of the Muslims' instead of 'Commander of the Faithful'.
- ›He was head of the Osmanoğlu family from 1926 until his death in 1944.
- ›He spent his final years in exile in France.
- Elected caliph by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey
- Abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate and expulsion from Turkey
- Settled in exile in Nice, France
- Declared head of the OsmanoğLu family
Abdülmecid Efendi, ʿAbdü'l-Mecîd-i sânî
- Last Ottoman caliph
- Promoted art, literature, painting, and music in Turkey
- Recognized artist contributing to realist art in the Ottoman Empire
Sultan Abdulaziz, Mehmed Vi, Mustafa Kemal AtatüRk
- Founded the Pierre Loti Society to promote the author's works
- Composed chamber music pieces
- Was a patron of the Ottoman Artist's Society
Caliph, Artist, Head of Family, Patron
Last Ruler, Exiled
About Abdulmejid II
Abdulmejid II (1868–1944) holds the significant distinction of being the last Ottoman Caliph, a title he held from 1922 until the abolition of the caliphate in 1924. He was also the head of the Osmanoğlu family from 1926 until his death. Unlike his predecessors, he adopted the title Halîfe-i Müslimîn ("Caliph of the Muslims") rather than Emîrü'l-Mü'minîn ("Commander of the Faithful").
Beyond his role as caliph, Abdulmejid II was a recognized artist and aesthete with a deep interest in promoting art, literature, painting, and music within Turkey. He was a painter himself, contributing to the development of realist art in the Ottoman Empire, and he founded the Pierre Loti Society to champion the works of the French author.
His caliphate was elected by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, but it was brief. Following the abolition of the caliphate and the expulsion of the Ottoman imperial family from Turkey, Abdulmejid II spent his remaining years in exile, primarily in France. He died in Paris in 1944 and was eventually buried in Medina, as burial in Turkey was not permitted by the Turkish government.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Abdulmejid II reign as Caliph?
Abdulmejid II was elected caliph on November 19, 1922, and his caliphate effectively ended with the abolition of the caliphate on March 3, 1924. He continued to be recognized as the head of the Osmanoğlu family until his death in 1944.
What was Abdulmejid II known for besides being Caliph?
Abdulmejid II was also a significant artist and aesthete. He was interested in promoting art, literature, painting, and music in Turkey and was himself a painter, contributing to the development of realist art in the Ottoman Empire.
Who succeeded Abdulmejid II as Caliph?
The office of the Caliphate was abolished by the Turkish government in 1924. After this, for several months, Hussein bin Ali, the Sharif and Emir of Mecca, was recognized as caliph in parts of the Arab world, though this was a separate and short-lived claim.
Where did Abdulmejid II live in exile?
After his caliphate was abolished and he was expelled from Turkey, Abdulmejid II first traveled to Switzerland and then settled in Nice, France, in October 1924. He later moved to Paris, where he died.
What was Abdulmejid II's relationship with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk?
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the leader of the Turkish National Movement, invited Abdulmejid to lead the nationalist movement, recognizing his prestige. However, Abdulmejid declined, fearing it would cause bloodshed. Later, Atatürk's government abolished the caliphate and expelled Abdulmejid II from Turkey.
Related Caliphs
Abdulmejid I
Abdulmejid I was the 31st Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, reigning from 1839 to 1861. He is best known for initiating the Tanzimat era, a period of significant reorganization and reform within the empire, aimed at modernizing its administration, legal system, and society. His reign also saw the Ottoman Empire forge crucial alliances with Western European powers, notably during the Crimean War.
Abdul Hamid II
Abdul Hamid II was the 34th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, reigning from 1876 to 1909. He is known for his autocratic rule, the promulgation and subsequent suspension of the Ottoman Empire's first constitution, and his promotion of Pan-Islamism. Despite presiding over a period of territorial decline and internal unrest, his reign also saw significant modernization efforts in education and infrastructure.
Abdulaziz
Abdulaziz was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1861 to 1876, succeeding his brother Abdulmejid I. His reign was marked by attempts to modernize the empire, including his historic tour of Western Europe and the establishment of railway networks. However, it was also characterized by growing economic difficulties, leading to his deposition and subsequent death, officially ruled a suicide.