The Caliphate is one of the Big Five core worlds of the Compact of Humanity in Assembly. Founded on Islamic cultural traditions, it has evolved into a progressive, inclusive society that balances spiritual heritage with technological sophistication, global commerce, and social liberalism. Known for its fusion of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the Caliphate is both a cultural powerhouse and a political heavyweight within the Compact.
Government:
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Vizir: The head of government and de facto planetary leader. Oversees domestic and interstellar policy.
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The Caliph: A ceremonial spiritual leader drawn from one of the Islamic sects—or even adjacent Abrahamic traditions—elected in a process not unlike the papacy. The Caliph holds moral and symbolic influence but no legislative authority.
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Compact Representation: The Caliphate has maintained a long-standing presence in the Compact Assembly. Baker ibn-Aziz served as senior delegate prior to his elevation to Secretary-General, and later President, of the Compact.
Capital: Rashidun
A gleaming, cosmopolitan metropolis blending ultramodern design with traditional architectural motifs.
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Major Landmark: The Burj Rashidun, a massive skyscraper modeled after Earth’s Burj Khalifa but more than twice the height.
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Secular Quarter: An open district where non-Muslims, tourists, and interfaith visitors can socialize, conduct business, and live free of religious restrictions.
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Cultural Note: As Sarai Gaddar famously remarked, “Most women here are not traditionalist outside of business hours,” though many still humor family conventions—like pretending not to drink wine in front of their fathers.
Cultural Influence:
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Caliphite Wine: Despite traditional Islamic prohibitions, the Caliphate is renowned across the Compact for its refined wine production, reflecting a post-sectarian interpretation of spiritual life.
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Dance Music: Caliphite dance music—often a fusion of trance, traditional percussion, and post-Islamic electronica—is wildly popular among younger generations throughout the Compact.
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Fashion and Cuisine: Known for elegant modest fashion and a world-class fusion culinary scene blending Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian influences.
Infrastructure and Security:
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Hypergate Hub: One of the most extensive and best-maintained hypergate networks in the Compact, making the Caliphate a key node in both military and civilian traffic.
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Terrorist Incidents: Targeted in a Cubist terrorist bombing, underscoring its geopolitical prominence and status as a cultural beacon in the Compact.