🕌 100 ISLAMIC EMPIRES & SULTANATES

🌟 Early Caliphates

1. Rashidun Caliphate (632–661) – The first Islamic state after Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, ruled by the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali). Expanded rapidly across Arabia, Persia, Levant, and North Africa.
2. Umayyad Caliphate (661–750, Damascus) – First hereditary dynasty of Islam. Reached Spain in the west and India in the east, making it one of the largest empires in history.
3. Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258, Baghdad) – Golden Age of Islam. Known for advancements in science, medicine, philosophy, literature, and the House of Wisdom in Baghdad.
4. Fatimid Caliphate (909–1171, Egypt–North Africa) – A Shia dynasty that founded Cairo as its capital. Famous for Al-Azhar University, which remains an Islamic learning center.
5. Umayyad Caliphate of Córdoba (929–1031, Andalusia) – Flourished in Spain, promoting arts, science, and architecture. Córdoba became one of the most advanced cities in medieval Europe.
6. Abbasid Shadow Caliphate (1261–1517, Cairo) – After the fall of Baghdad, Abbasid caliphs continued in Cairo under Mamluk protection. Symbolic authority until absorbed by the Ottomans.
7. Ottoman Caliphate (1517–1924, Istanbul) – Longest-lasting caliphate. Controlled three continents, dominated Mediterranean trade, and was a global superpower until the early 20th century.

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⚔️ Major Dynasties & Empires

8. Aghlabid Dynasty (800–909, Tunisia) – Semi-independent rulers under Abbasids, known for launching Islamic expansion into Sicily and Italy.
9. Tulunid Dynasty (868–905, Egypt) – First independent dynasty in Egypt. Built the famous Mosque of Ibn Tulun in Cairo.
10. Ikhshidid Dynasty (935–969, Egypt) – Controlled Egypt, Syria, and Hijaz before being overtaken by the Fatimids.
11. Buyid Dynasty (934–1062, Persia) – Shia Persian dynasty that controlled Baghdad, weakening Abbasid political power while retaining them as figureheads.
12. Saffarid Dynasty (861–1003, Sistan–Iran) – Known for spreading Islam into Afghanistan and Central Asia. Founded by Ya’qub al-Saffar.
13. Tahirid Dynasty (821–873, Khorasan) – First semi-independent Persian dynasty under Abbasid authority, based in present-day Iran and Afghanistan.
14. Samanid Dynasty (819–999, Central Asia) – Patron of Persian culture and language. Revived Persian identity alongside Islam, with Bukhara as a cultural hub.
15. Ghaznavid Empire (977–1186, Afghanistan–India) – Famous for Mahmud of Ghazni’s campaigns into northern India and promotion of Persian literature.
16. Ghurid Dynasty (879–1215, Afghanistan–India) – Expanded deeper into India, setting the stage for the Delhi Sultanate.
17. Seljuk Empire (1037–1194) – Powerful Turko-Persian dynasty. Played a key role in defending Islam against Crusaders and revitalizing Sunni orthodoxy.
18. Khwarazmian Empire (1077–1231, Iran–Central Asia) – Lasted until Mongol invasion. Controlled key trade routes along the Silk Road.
19. Timurid Empire (1370–1507, Central Asia–Persia) – Founded by Timur (Tamerlane). Famous for blending Persian, Turkic, and Mongol culture; Samarkand became a cultural center.
20. Safavid Empire (1501–1736, Iran) – Established Twelver Shia Islam as the state religion. Rival of the Ottomans, contributed to Persian art, architecture, and poetry.
21. Zand Dynasty (1751–1794, Iran) – Controlled parts of Iran after Safavids. Known for rebuilding Shiraz as a cultural city.
22. Qajar Dynasty (1789–1925, Iran) – Modernized parts of Iran but lost territories to Russia and Britain.
23. Afsharid Dynasty (1736–1796, Iran) – Founded by Nader Shah, known as the “Napoleon of Persia.” Expanded empire briefly across Persia, India, and Central Asia.
24. Mamluk Sultanate (1250–1517, Egypt–Levant) – Slave-soldier rulers who defeated the Mongols (Battle of Ain Jalut, 1260) and Crusaders. Built great Islamic architecture in Cairo.
25. Ayyubid Dynasty (1171–1260, Egypt–Syria) – Founded by Salahuddin (Saladin). Famous for liberating Jerusalem from Crusaders and establishing Sunni dominance in Egypt.

⚔️ Major Dynasties & Empires (continued)

26. Hafsid Dynasty (1229–1574, Maghreb – Tunisia) – Successor to Almohads in North Africa. Made Tunis a major trading hub connecting Europe and Africa.
27. Almoravid Empire (1040–1147, Morocco–Spain) – Berber dynasty, spread Islam into Spain. Strong defenders of orthodox Islam.
28. Almohad Empire (1121–1269, Morocco–Spain) – Reformist Berber dynasty, replaced Almoravids. Known for cultural patronage and resistance to Christian Spain.
29. Marinid Dynasty (1244–1465, Morocco) – Built madrasas in Fez and supported scholarship. Weakened by Iberian Christian powers.
30. Wattasid Dynasty (1472–1554, Morocco) – Successors of Marinids, lost power to Portuguese and later Saadians.
31. Saadian Dynasty (1549–1659, Morocco) – Defeated Portuguese at Battle of Alcácer Quibir (1578). Expanded into Mali.
32. Alaouite Dynasty (1631–present, Morocco) – Still ruling today. Modernized Morocco and resisted European colonization.
33. Nasrid Emirate of Granada (1238–1492, Spain) – Last Muslim state in Spain. Famous for Alhambra Palace. Fell to Ferdinand & Isabella.
34. Umayyad Emirate of Granada (offshoot, Andalusia) – Regional rule that merged into Nasrid power.
35. Rasulid Dynasty (1229–1454, Yemen) – Prosperous in trade with India, Ethiopia, and Egypt. Patronized learning in Yemen.
36. Ziyadid Dynasty (819–1018, Yemen) – Ruled Yemen’s coastal cities, contributed to Red Sea trade.
37. Najahid Dynasty (1022–1158, Yemen) – Founded by former African slaves, strong naval power in Yemen.
38. Sulayhid Dynasty (1047–1138, Yemen) – Shia dynasty controlling most of Yemen, allied with Fatimids.
39. Mahdid Dynasty (1159–1174, Yemen) – Short-lived dynasty before fall to Ayyubids.
40. Kathiri Sultanate (1395–1967, Hadramaut – Yemen) – Controlled trade routes in southern Arabia.
41. Qu'aiti Sultanate (1858–1967, Hadramaut – Yemen) – British protectorate in South Arabia.
42. Islamic Himyarite Successor (Yemen, post-Islam) – Conversion of pre-Islamic Himyarite rulers helped spread Islam in South Arabia.

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🌏 South Asia

43. Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526, India) – Series of Muslim dynasties ruling northern India. Introduced Persian culture & architecture. Paved the way for Mughal Empire.
44. Bengal Sultanate (1352–1576, Bengal) – Independent Muslim state, very wealthy, known as "Paradise of Nations."
45. Gujarat Sultanate (1407–1573, India) – Maritime power, trading with Arabs, Persians, and Chinese.
46. Malwa Sultanate (1392–1562, Central India) – Important in Indian politics, blended Hindu-Muslim architecture.
47. Jaunpur Sultanate (1394–1479, India) – Known as “Shiraz of India” for culture, scholarship, and architecture.
48. Bahmani Sultanate (1347–1527, Deccan, India) – First independent Muslim kingdom in the Deccan. Later split into Deccan Sultanates.
49. Deccan Sultanates (1490–1687, India) – (Bidar, Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Golconda, Berar). Known for Golconda diamonds and magnificent forts.
50. Mughal Empire (1526–1857, India) – One of the greatest empires in history. Famous rulers: Akbar, Shah Jahan (built Taj Mahal). Blended Persian, Indian, and Islamic culture.

No.	Empire / Sultanate	Period	Region	Key Achievements / Notes
51	Hyderabad State (Nizam)	1724–1948	India	Powerful Muslim state in Deccan, rich in culture and wealth; famous for Charminar & Golconda diamonds.
52	Mysore Sultanate (Tipu Sultan)	1761–1799	India	Resisted British colonization; Tipu Sultan known as "Tiger of Mysore."
53	Kashmir Sultanate	1346–1589	India	Islamized Kashmir valley, known for Sufi influence and art.
54	Bengal Nawabate	1717–1765	Bengal (India)	Last independent Muslim rulers of Bengal before British takeover.
55	Awadh (Oudh) Nawabs	1722–1856	North India	Known for Lucknow culture, arts, and cuisine.
56	Bhopal State	1707–1949	Central India	Muslim-ruled princely state, had several female rulers (Begums of Bhopal).
57	Arcot Sultanate (Carnatic)	1692–1855	South India	Strategic power in South India, clashed with British & French.
58	Samudera Pasai Sultanate	1267–1521	Sumatra (Indonesia)	First Islamic kingdom in Southeast Asia, major trade hub.
59	Perlak Sultanate	840–1292	Aceh, Sumatra	One of earliest Islamic sultanates in the archipelago.
60	Aceh Darussalam Sultanate	1496–1903	Sumatra	Strong Islamic kingdom; resisted Portuguese & Dutch; famous for Iskandar Muda.
61	Malacca Sultanate	1400–1511	Malacca, Malaysia	Major trade & Islamic center; foundation of Malay-Islamic culture.
62	Johor-Riau Sultanate	1528–1824	Malaysia–Indonesia	Successor to Malacca, strong in trade & diplomacy.
63	Riau-Lingga Sultanate	1824–1911	Indonesia	Split from Johor due to British-Dutch colonial rivalry.
64	Siak Sri Indrapura Sultanate	1722–1949	Sumatra	Important Malay-Islamic state allied with Dutch later.
65	Palembang Sultanate	1659–1823	Sumatra	Controlled Musi River trade, defeated by Dutch.
66	Jambi Sultanate	1460–1907	Sumatra	Key pepper trading state.
67	Banten Sultanate	1527–1813	Java	Rich in spice trade, rivaled Dutch.
68	Demak Sultanate	1478–1554	Java	First Islamic kingdom in Java, spread Islam widely.
69	Mataram Sultanate	1586–1755	Java	Expanded across Java, later split into smaller courts.
70	Cirebon Sultanate	1479–present	Java	Influential Islamic center in Java, still symbolic today.
71	Ternate Sultanate	1257–present	Moluccas	Rich in cloves; fought Portuguese & Spanish.
72	Tidore Sultanate	1495–present	Moluccas	Spice trade rival to Ternate.
73	Gowa-Tallo Sultanate	1300s–1669	Sulawesi	Spread Islam in eastern Indonesia; resisted Dutch.
74	Banjar Sultanate	1520–1905	Borneo	Controlled trade in Kalimantan, Islamized Borneo interior.
75	Brunei Sultanate	1368–present	Borneo	Powerful maritime empire; controlled parts of Philippines & Borneo; still ruling today.

No.	Empire / Sultanate	Period	Region	Key Achieements / Notes
76	Sulu Sultanate	1405–1915 (nominal until today)	Southern Philippines	Controlled Sulu Sea, ruled parts of Sabah, strong maritime trade.
77	Maguindanao Sultanate	1515–1905	Mindanao, Philippines	Spread Islam in Mindanao, resisted Spanish colonization.
78	Buayan Sultanate	1500s–1905	Mindanao	Related to Maguindanao, influential in southern Philippines.
79	Bulungan Sultanate	1600s–1949	North Kalimantan, Borneo	Controlled trade with neighboring regions.
80	Pontianak Sultanate	1771–1950	West Kalimantan, Borneo	Islamic Malay state, founded by Sultan Syarif Abdurrahman.
81	Sambas Sultanate	1600s–1950	West Kalimantan, Borneo	Controlled trade and Islamization in the region.
82	Perlis Sultanate	1843–present	Malaysia	Smallest Malay sultanate, still ruling today.
83	Kedah Sultanate	1136–present	Malaysia	Among the oldest Malay Islamic sultanates, still ruling.
84	Kelantan Sultanate	1400s–present	Malaysia	Known for Islamic scholarship and cultural heritage.
85	Terengganu Sultanate	1724–present	Malaysia	Strong Islamic traditions, still ruling today.
86	Pahang Sultanate	1470–present	Malaysia	Malay sultanate, now part of Malaysia’s monarchy.
87	Selangor Sultanate	1766–present	Malaysia	Founded by Bugis rulers, powerful until today.
88	Negeri Sembilan	1773–present	Malaysia	Unique Islamic monarchy with Minangkabau adat.
89	Perak Sultanate	1528–present	Malaysia	Rich tin state, long royal tradition.
90	Sadi Dynasty (Saadi Sultanate)	1549–1659	Morocco	Defeated Portuguese at Battle of Alcácer Quibir (1578).
91	Alaouite Dynasty	1631–present	Morocco	Current ruling dynasty of Morocco.
92	Mali Empire (Islamic phase)	1235–1600s	West Africa	Famous for Mansa Musa, Timbuktu as Islamic learning hub.
93	Songhai Empire	1464–1591	West Africa	Strong Islamic state, Timbuktu flourished as center of trade and learning.
94	Kanem-Bornu Empire	700s–1893	Chad–Nigeria region	One of Africa’s longest lasting Muslim kingdoms.
95	Sokoto Caliphate	1804–1903	Nigeria	Founded by Usman dan Fodio, largest African Islamic caliphate.
96	Hausa Kingdoms (Islamic phase)	1000s–1800s	Nigeria	Network of Muslim city-states before Sokoto.
97	Swahili City-States (Kilwa, Mombasa, Zanzibar)	900s–1500s	East Africa	Maritime Muslim trading states linked Africa to Arabia & India.
98	Adal Sultanate	1415–1559	Horn of Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia)	Famous Muslim-Christian wars in Ethiopia.
99	Ajuuraan Sultanate	1300s–1700s	Somalia	Strong Islamic kingdom controlling Indian Ocean trade.
100	Zanzibar Sultanate (Omani Empire branch)	1698–1964	East Africa (Tanzania)	Rich spice trade, linked Oman with Africa.