Reader Question Gustavo Carnevale Real Benfatti, Sao Paulo, SP
All are leadership titles – the first three of Arab origin and the last Iranian. Sultan is of governmental use and derives from “sulta” (power). It has served authorities since the late 10th century and currently entitles the monarchs of Brunei and Oman, as well as regional leaders in the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. Sheikh, in turn, derives from “shakha” (elder). It can be attributed to religious or political authorities. Already emir (commander or prince) serves for political and military leaders. The chief executives of Qatar and Kuwait carry the title, as do the governors of the United Arab Emirates. Finally, shah meant «emperor of Persia». The term resisted even with the Arab invasion of the region of present-day Iran, but disappeared for good after the Iranian Revolution and the institution of the Ayatollah government. From this title came the chess expression “checkmate”: the “shah (king) has died”. Until at least the first half of the 13th century, caliph was the most important Arab title, attributed to the representative of the prophet Muhammad
Consultancy Mamede Jarouche, professor at the Department of Oriental Literature at USP, and José Farah, director of national and international relations at the Institute of Arab Culture
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