The Caliphate of Córdoba (; trans. Khilāfat Qurṭuba) was a state in Islamic Iberia ruled by the Umayyad dynasty along with a part of North Africa. The state, with the capital in Córdoba, existed from 929 to 1031. The region was formerly dominated by the Umayyad Emirate of Córdoba (756–929). The period was characterized by an expansion of trade and culture, and saw the construction of masterpieces of al-Andalus architecture. In January 929, Abd-ar-Rahman III proclaimed himself caliph (Arabic: ) of Córdoba in place of his original title, Emir of Córdoba (Arabic: 'Amīr Qurṭuba). Abd-ar-Rahman III was a member of the Umayyad dynasty, which had held the title of Emir of Córdoba since 756.