The formation of the Umayyad Caliphate in Spain, also known as Al-Andalus, was a significant event in Islamic history, marking the establishment of a major Muslim presence in the Iberian Peninsula. 

Here’s an overview of how this transpired:

1. The Fall of the Umayyad Caliphate in Damascus: The original Umayyad Caliphate, based in Damascus, was overthrown in 750 CE by the Abbasid Revolution. The Abbasids took over most of the Islamic world, but one member of the Umayyad ruling family, Abd al-Rahman I, managed to escape the Abbasid purge.
2. Escape to Al-Andalus: Abd al-Rahman I fled to the western reaches of the Muslim world, eventually reaching the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal), which had been conquered by Muslim forces starting in 711 CE. Despite the political fragmentation and complex inter-tribal dynamics in the region, he managed to gather support.
3. Establishment of the Emirate of Cordoba (756 CE): Abd al-Rahman I declared himself Emir of Cordoba in 756 CE, effectively establishing an independent Umayyad state in Al-Andalus. Although initially an emirate, this state operated independently of the Abbasid Caliphate despite some nominal recognition.
4. Consolidation and Development: Over the following centuries, the Umayyad rulers focused on consolidating territory, stabilizing internal governance, and fostering cultural and economic prosperity. Cordoba emerged as a major center of learning and culture, rivalling cities like Baghdad.
5. Transition to the Umayyad Caliphate (929 CE): In 929 CE, Abd al-Rahman III proclaimed himself Caliph, upgrading the status of Al-Andalus from an emirate to a caliphate and formally rejecting Abbasid religious and political authority. This declaration was intended to assert spiritual and political independence and respond to internal challenges and external threats.
6. Cultural and Scientific Flourishing: The Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba became renowned for its cultural renaissance, advancements in science and philosophy, architecture, and the flourishing of intellectual life. It played a pivotal role in the transmission of knowledge between the Islamic world and medieval Europe.
7. Decline and Fragmentation: The Caliphate eventually began to decline in the early 11th century, facing internal divisions and external pressures, which led to its fragmentation into smaller independent kingdoms known as “taifas.”

The formation of the Umayyad Caliphate in Spain was a remarkable period in history. It is remembered not only for the political and military achievements but also for the significant cultural and intellectual contributions that influenced both the Islamic world and medieval Europe.

Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.