Al-Mutawakkil III

MedievalEmperorAbbasid Caliphate1480 — 1543

Last Abbasid caliph, surrendered title to Selim I.

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Quick Facts

Born

1480

Died

1543

Country

Abbasid Caliphate

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)55

Political (20%)55

Influence (20%)46

Legacy (20%)34

Leadership (15%)34

Strategy (15%)57

Total Score44.3

Al-Mutawakkil III — Complete Timeline

1516 AD

Accession as CaliphPolitical Action◆ Major

Al-Mutawakkil III became the last Abbasid caliph of Cairo after his father's abdication. His reign was immediately overshadowed by the Ottoman threat.

Caliphal SuccessionOttoman Threat

Impact: regional

1517 AD

Capture by the OttomansWar

After the Ottoman victory at the Battle of Ridaniya, Al-Mutawakkil III was captured by Sultan Selim I. The Mamluk Sultanate was annexed, and the caliph became a prisoner of the Ottomans.

Ottoman ConquestEnd of Mamluk Era

Impact: globaltragic

Surrender of the Caliphate to Selim IPolitical Action

Al-Mutawakkil III formally surrendered the title of caliph to Ottoman Sultan Selim I in a ceremony in Cairo. This transfer marked the end of the Abbasid caliphate and the beginning of the Ottoman claim to the caliphate.

Caliphal TransferOttoman CaliphateEnd of Abbasids

Impact: global

1543 AD

Death in Ottoman CustodyOther◆ Major

Al-Mutawakkil III died in Ottoman custody, likely in Cairo or Istanbul. His death ended the Abbasid line of caliphs, though the Ottomans continued to use the title.

DeathEnd of Dynasty

Impact: regionaltragic