WI : Caliph subservient to a Christian

I'm quite curious as to how successful a relationship between a Christian Monarch and a Caliph would be. We've seen Caliphs subordinate to Turks, Persians, and other rulers - and whilst extreme, in a situation where you have a strong surviving Roman Empire that pushes Islam back, or Crusaders, or a Nestorian Persia, what sort of relationship could you see between a Caliph under Christian protection? (i.e. based in Nestorian Baghdad, Christian Jerusalem, or Roman Constantinople?)

What are your thoughts? Could it last? Would it lead to two Caliphs (and if so, what sort of relationship would they have beyond simply antagonistic), would it cause a rift in Islam?
 
It depends upon the exact relationship and whether the subversion is in their position of Caliph or as something else. Think of how (and it is difficult for me to find the details, so it might be propoganda I heard somewhere) the French King wanted the King of England to act subversit to him in his position of King of France instead of as Duke of Aquitine. Caliphs tended to be political leaders, but perhaps one can have a Christian as Protector, though the way the title was worded would be important, though even if it was a respectful one people would use it to say he having people pray to Rome rather than Mecca or something. Ahhh, historical propoganda and misunderstanding.
 
So if say the King of Jerusalem (to choose one, however implausible) was given 'Guardian of the Caliph' that might be acceptable? Or would that insinuate too much control?

What about say, 100 years later, once its bedded in, and it is obvious that they don't have to pray to Rome - what about at that point in your opinion?
 
Well, the main issue is that the title of Caliph aren't in the same way tied to a specific place such as the title of Pope (which it 'always' the Bishop of Rome), nor as universally recognized, even within the religious sub-denomination ... If the Caliph came under heathen control, he would, after a few years/a decade, stop being recognized as having any religious claim to the title
 
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