What is an Islamic caliphate, why did ISIS create one and where is it? Third anniversary of Islamic State declaration – all you need to know

ISIS burst onto the international stage when they declared a caliphate bearing the infamous black jihadist flag after they seized control of Mosul in 2014.

As this year marks the terror group’s third anniversary of the declaration – we explain what it’s all about.

What is a caliphate?

A caliphate is an Islamic state.

It’s led by a caliph, who is a political and religious leader, to the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

The concept of caliphate has had many different interpretations through the centuries, but the main point of it is to order the Muslim community according to the will of God.

Some Muslims believe caliphate must enforce Islamic Law, also known as Sharia.

Under Sharia Law, theft is punishable by amputating, women must cover their faces and adultery can carry the penalty of being stoned to death.

The religious law also requires minorities to pay tax, convert to Islam, or leave the state.

These principles are central to rhetoric of violent extremists like Al-Qaeda.

Why did ISIS create a caliphate and where is it?

ISIS created a caliphate of their own to restore the Islamic conquest from the seventh century after the death of Prophet Muhammad.

In June 29, 2014, the brutal militants declared the creation of a caliphate stretching across parts of Syria and Iraq.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, a cleric believed to have been born north of Baghdad in 1971, declared himself the caliph or leader.

He emerged as the Al-Qaeda boss in Iraq in 2010.

The declaration came after the group took control of Mosul, Iraq’s second city, and appeared to threaten Baghdad.

ISIS militants in June destroyed the historic Grand al-Nuri Mosque and its leaning minaret.

The mosque was also hugely symbolic as it was where leader Baghdadi declared the caliphate three years ago.