1. Religious Legitimacy: The Ottoman sultans were considered the caliphs, the successors of the Prophet Muhammad, and the religious authority of the caliphate played a crucial role in legitimising the Ottoman rule over the vast and diverse Muslim population of the empire.
2. Pan-Islamic Unity: The Khilafat served as a unifying force for the Muslim subjects of the Ottoman Empire, transcending ethnic, linguistic, and cultural differences. It fostered a sense of religious solidarity and loyalty among the Muslims, enhancing the empire's political cohesion and stability.
3. International Influence: The Ottoman caliphate had significant influence and prestige in the Muslim world beyond the empire's borders. The sultan-caliph was recognised as a spiritual leader and a symbol of Muslim unity, which allowed the Ottomans to play a mediatory role in conflicts between Muslim countries and communities.
4. Political Prestige: The position of caliph bestowed upon the Ottoman sultans a unique status in international diplomacy. It enabled the Ottomans to negotiate with European powers on equal terms and protect the interests of the Muslim population throughout the world.
5. Cultural and Intellectual Impact: The Ottoman caliphate played a vital role in promoting Islamic scholarship, culture, and art. It supported religious educational institutions, encouraged the development of Islamic sciences, and patronised artistic achievements that reflected Islamic values and traditions.
6. Anti-Colonial Symbol: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Khilafat became a rallying point for anti-colonial movements in the Muslim world. The decline and eventual abolition of the caliphate in 1924 sparked outrage and resistance against European colonial powers, emphasising the importance of the Khilafat as a symbol of Muslim identity and independence.
In summary, the Khilafat was crucial to the Ottoman Empire as it provided religious legitimacy, fostered unity among diverse Muslim subjects, enhanced international influence, granted political prestige, supported cultural and intellectual endeavours, and served as an anti-colonial symbol.