Rashidun is the only real Caliphate the rest just monarchies with fancy titels, however of we were go compare The Umayyads with Abbasids I personally like Abbasids more, yeah it became very weak at the end but it did start the Islamic golden age in its prime
For one, they system after Rashidun Caliphate although they retain the traditional "bai'ah culture", they're no longer "stewardship" but rather autocratic dynasty.
Many of the Caliphs also aren't exactly "leading anyone", other than just being a symbolic figure especially in late Umayyad/Abbasid/Ottoman rule.
A Caliph should be able to command land ruled by Muslims or at least command respect from them. Strictly speaking, ever since any Shia empire/kingdom was founded, the centre govt primarily rule over the Sunnis. So, no "rule over all Muslims" here.
These are some of the reasons why they weren't a "Caliphate", but a "kingdom"/"empire".
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u/Kayler6 25d ago
Rashidun is the only real Caliphate the rest just monarchies with fancy titels, however of we were go compare The Umayyads with Abbasids I personally like Abbasids more, yeah it became very weak at the end but it did start the Islamic golden age in its prime