The Impact of the 1931 General Islamic Congress on the Muslim World and its Repercussions in Turkey

The General Islamic Congress held in Bayt al-Maqdis in December 1931 with the participation of countless representatives from the Muslim World, discussed general problems of the Muslims and mainly that of Palestine and al-Aqsa Mosque. One of the most important issues discussed was the issue of the Caliphate and due to the discussion of such an issue, harsh reactions against the Congress were taken by chiefly Turkey as well as Egypt and Saudi Arabia. This paper will address the reasons why the General Islamic Congress was held in Jerusalem, the discussions arising over the Caliphate issue and its reflections in the Muslim World. In addition, the paper will deal with the resolutions taken at the end of the Congress. In the processes of this research, relevant archival documents pertaining to the issue was consulted together with news coverage from Turkish and Arabic newspapers of the time, as well as relevant articles and books