KaliphatonRhomaion
Disclaimer:
This story is based on an Europa Universalis IV alternate history mod: Ante Bellum, this story specifically covers a timeline where the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba survives the attempted reconquista of the Christians led by Francia, colonized the new world, spread Islam throughout the globe, and made it through the centuries becoming a modernized Islamic state. (Credit to Parmelion for the Ante Bellum mod)
After trials and tribulations, wars fought and rebellions quelled, only for another to come. Al-Andalus is truly a unique state, built by a disgraced dinasty after facing a rebellion, losing the title of "Khalifah" to said rebellion, and fled the chaos to a fringe region where most of it's inhabitants don't even speak Arabic or practice Islam. Al-Andalus has became a place where Christians, Muslims and Jews live side by side, such tolerance was never heard of in that time period. Granted, toleration can only go so far when you're surrounded by hostile neighbors.
But by some miracle, Al-Andalus prevails. With the discovery of the Americas, the Andalusians were presented with an opportunity. After the Nizzarid pretender of Egypt cut of routes from India, the Andalusians could make up for the lost trade for an oceanic Empire, and use that funding to find alternative route to India. This empire building slowly snowballing Andalusia to become the world's naval hegemon, with territories covering from Kalifurniya to Malaya. Reforms and previously flawed system of equality were rectified, religious converts at an all time high, economy is booming.
But alas, just like any colonial empire. It has to come to an end eventually, the Neo-Kharijites faning the flames of revolution across the Caliphate, most breakaway peacefully, others by force. And thus, the Andalusian golden age come to an end.
But in year 1976, whilst the nation faces economic stagnation, A GATE has appeared in the city of Ishbiliya, and the Caliphate finds an opportunity.