On June 29, 2014, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, declared the establishment of a caliphate, with borders extending across vast territories in northern Iraq and Syria. The proclamation was made during a Friday sermon in the historic Al-Nuri Mosque in Mosul, a city that had been captured by ISIL just weeks earlier. During the sermon, al-Baghdadi called upon Muslims worldwide to pledge allegiance to him as their caliph, emphasizing a return to a primitive, literalist interpretation of Islamic governance. This was a significant departure from the prior structure of jihadist groups, as ISIL sought to legitimize its rule through the concept of a caliphate, which historically denoted political and religious authority over the global Muslim community. The declaration was met with mixed responses, with some radical factions voicing support while others expressed concerns over ISIL's brutality and extreme ideologies.

This move was not merely territorial; it represented an ideological shift with attempts to reshape governance in the areas they controlled. They enforced a strict interpretation of Sharia law, leading to widespread human rights abuses, and their expansive propaganda attracted a diverse array of followers from different countries. The declaration fortified ISIL's position as a powerful non-state actor in a region struggling with sectarian violence, weak state structures, and civil conflict. By establishing the caliphate, ISIS aimed to challenge both Western influence and the sovereignty of regional governments, leading to intensified military responses from various international coalitions.

The ramifications of this declaration were far-reaching, significantly impacting the geopolitical landscape. It instigated a series of military operations against ISIL, involving multiple nations and coalitions led by the United States. These operations aimed to dismantle ISIL's command structure and reclaim territories while also attempting to address the humanitarian crisis that ensued from the group's aggressive expansion. The declaration not only marked a significant chapter in the Syrian Civil War and the Iraqi insurgency but also illustrated the complexities of modern jihadi movements, mobilizing resources and individuals across borders in a global jihadist network.