Azara

Azara
Feudal Status:	Emirate
Capital:	Azarkhak
Largest Cities:	Azarkhak
Local Leadership Title:	Emir
Local Government:	Monarchy
Current leader:	Kemal Shervanis
Local language:	Babkhi
Local Religion:	Temple of Zartosht

Azara, officially the Emirate of Azara, is a small kingdom located in southwestern Eura and centered around the ancient city of Azarkhak, from which the Emirate derives its name. The country is located in an area of hot deserts where, in times past, it was once under the control of Babkha. The rocky outcroppings in the desert are rich with salt formed by ancient seas, and it is near here that the Babkhans had their notorious salt mines. The region is also infested with the giant sandworms that inhabit most of Eura's vast deserts. Azara relies primarily on the export of salt and some limited oil extraction as its main economic source; with the harsh desert offering little else.

Etymology

Azara takes its name from the ancient city of Azarkhak. The city, in turn, is a rendering of old Babkhi meaning "fire sands" (azar = fire + khak = sand). The term is a reference to the burning sands of the sun-scorched deserts of Zsharra. The name Azara, therefore, translates as "land of fire".

History

Azara was originally settled by the Arkaniyah tribes that were hostile to Babkahn suzerainty. This led to an invasion by the Babkhans spearheaded by the army of Baatharz, Babkha's largest and most autonomous Emirate. The Baatharzi were vastly superior in both organization and firepower, and quickly subdued the Arkani people, wiping out most of the population in a series of violent clashes. When the dust settled the Baatharzi instituted a rigorous program of colonization wherein many people from Baatharz migrated south to the new lands. The new region became known as the Emirate of Zsharra and was ruled by a branch of the Shervanis Dynasty, which also ruled Baatharz. After the fall of Babkha the country fell into anarchy and local Sheikhs assumed control over various tribes and lands. Suleiman Shervanis, a descendant of Amir Shervanis, ruled over Azarkhak and began to expand its boundaries. His son Kemal Shervanis succeeded him and further expanded his lands, establishing the Emirate of Azara. Kemal extended the Emirate's boundaries to the Suqutra Gulf and around the northern shores of the Badbakhti Sea, giving the Emirate much-needed access to salt deposits and anchorage for export by sea.

Government

Azara is an Emirate ruled by an Emir, essentially following the same principles of an absolute monarchy. Tribal heritage is an important factor and many tribal Sheikhs pay homage to the Emir in Azarkhak. The Sheikhs sit in council known as the Majlis which in turn advises and guides the Emir on ruling the state. The Sheikhs are granted the freedom to rule their tribes as they see fit, provided they do not violate any of the laws laid down by the Emir.

Culture

While nominally part of the Kingdom of Babkha for many centuries, Azara was settled by Baatharzi, who spoke in the North Euran (Arabic) dialect versus traditional Babkhi (Farsi). Thus the area became an amalgamation of both traditions, though Babkhi eventually came to dominate the language and customs that persist to this day. Like the Babkhans before them, the Azarans worship Zartosht.

Economy

The ancient Babkhan salt mines were taken over by the Azarans and enlarged to a greater scale more amenable to exportation. Several new veins were explored and tapped as sources of additional revenue. For instance, the pink salt mined from the shores of the Badbakhti Sea has become a major export commodity, being sold as a health supplement in Shireroth and other countries. Although prisoners are still used to assist with mining, many newer mines are now contracted to private firms.

Tourism has also served to act as a new means of economic revenue. People from across Micras have come to enjoy the new spas appearing on the beaches, or to view the majestic sandworms in their native habitat. In addition a small amount of oil has also been tapped as a means of providing additional economic stimulus when other markets are not faring as productively.

Military

The Azaran military consists primarily of camel riders and foot soldiers. A small arsenal of mechanized vehicles remains at the Emir's command as part of his personal consort, but much of this dates back to the time of Babkha. While the ancient Babkhans were rumored to ride and command the giant sandworms in battle, the Azarans have lost this knowledge, as the beasts remain at large in the deep deserts.