Islamic History and Culture

In 1258 AD, Baghdad was conquered and sacked by the Mongol forces led by Halaku Khan. After conquering the city, The Grand Library of Baghdad was destroyed. Those who attempted to flee were intercepted by the Mongols and killed. They destroyed Mosques, palaces, hospitals, libraries, and any grand building. The Caliph Al Mustasim Billah was killed. This marked the end of the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad. The Mamluk rulers of Egypt would later re-establish the Abbasid caliphate in Cairo in 1261. In 1517 the last Abbasid Caliph of Egypt would be captured by the Ottoman Sultan Selim I. Sultan Selim I took the title from him, made Egypt part of the Ottoman Empire, and became the first Ottoman Sultan to use the title of Caliph.

The Ottoman Sultan Muhammad II, also known was Sultan Muhammad Fatih, conquered Constantinople in 1453. Upon conquering, he took the title of Qaiser-e-Rum; Caesar of Rome.