History glossary
Sunni Islam
the largest branch of Islam, historically associated with recognition of the caliphate's communal leadership.
- Category
- Religion
- Region
- Global
- Date range
- 7th century-present
What it means
The largest branch of Islam. In medieval political thought, Sunni communities often looked to the caliphate as a symbol of communal leadership, even when real political power was held by sultans, emirs or military rulers.
Stories using this term
The Rise of Islam
From Muhammad's first revelations to the early caliphates, Islam grew from a Meccan message into a civilisation spanning Africa, Asia and Europe.
The Mongol Empire
From scattered steppe tribes to the largest contiguous empire in history, the Mongols reshaped Eurasia through conquest, terror, and trade.
The United States After 9/11
After 9/11, the United States launched the War on Terror, invaded Afghanistan and Iraq, expanded surveillance and homeland security, and entered a long era of costly war and deep political division.
