Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
The following are excerpts from a European travel pamphlet. (It’s for 19th century readers, so it might be a little long-winded.) Also, the Shiraz in this world is similar to the Isfahan of OTL.
“Alllaahhhhuuuuuu Akbaaar!”
“Alllaahhhhuuuuuu Akbaaar!”
Allahu Akbar. God is great. These words can be heard constantly as one walks through Shiraz, the undisputed center of what we call Persia. It is heard from the lips of an impoverished merchant who finally has sold that last fish, and can go home to his family. It is heard in the booming, official voice of every judge after a sentence is proclaimed for theft, murder or “treason”. And most importantly, it is yelled from the roof of every mosque large or small, three times per day, by the zealous clergy who hold the hearts and minds of the Persian people in thrall.
If a traveler from the Federated Kingdoms, France, or some other “enlightened nation” were to walk through these streets, they would see at once sights hectic, adventurous, and tumultuous. The city streets are narrow, with donkeys, mules, and the occasional Arabian stallion winding their way through them. Most pull carts, and curses are often heard from owners who get stuck in the ill paved cobblestone streets. But along with those narrow streets that afford a…charm not seen in Europe, the crowd of worshippers or laborers, diplomats or soldiers, simply becomes too great for vehicular transport. Yes, the real sightseeing for the informed traveler should be done on foot.
As one walks about the city, make sure to keep all belongings at your sides, as theft of vulnerable travelers is a trade in itself. A weapon such as a pistol, or a large, highly visible sword such as a cavalry saber (impressive weapons tend to scare off thieves) can help to a great extent. Not to scare off the interested traveler, but precautions should always be taken in such an unstable nation.
It is important to note that unlike India, South America, or the American West, Persia is not controlled by any European nation. In the view of many European governments this is detrimental, due to the virulent anti-Europeanism of many Persian clerics, especially the Gray Turbans, a group that is violently opposed to both the government and the great colonial empires. But no need to worry, the Shah of Persia and his police force, and army, are very friendly to foreigners. Shah Hosayn II is enamored of Western culture. He spends hours each week speaking with the Ottoman and Federated Kingdom ambassadors, and has been known to dress in Western-style military uniforms for his frequent parades at the head of the local army garrison, to the chagrin and dismay of many locals. Also, the European Embassies are well guarded, and there is a small port city controlled by the FK in the south of the nation, for any who need to leave the country immediately.
Now, a quick review of the major buildings in Shiraz would be proper. The culture of the city is diverse, and it has seen the rise and fall of many dynasties and empires. The most notable of these were the Safavid dynasty, which fell in the latter half of the eighteenth century*. (See historical note) Safavid architecture, unlike the Ottoman styles that are quite imperialistic and grandiose in nature, focuses on subtlety and refinement. This is seen in the elegant Chehel-sotoon Palace, which ranks among the Orient’s finest courts in grace and elegance. Safavid buildings were separated into 8 distinct categories which gave them their beauty, garden, platform, porch, gateway, dome, arched chamber, and minaret, but these different elements were woven together in a seamless pattern that truly defines great Persian architecture. The massive Shah Mosque in central Shiraz is another example of the excellent Safavid architecture so loved by architects. In the modern day, however, Shah Hosayn II has modeled his gilded and columned Grand Palace along European neo-Classical lines, and was roundly criticized by several local architects and citizens for being, in one’s words, “A truly unfit disgrace for a palace, only fit for pigs, murderers, and Europeans.” The fact that several architects disappeared after this event stopped criticism immediately.
The city of Shiraz, and the nation of Persia as a whole, is an exciting and exotic locale. But the informed traveler gets the sense that the time of antiquated countries like Persia will soon be over. As colonial empires only grow in strength, the world is being divided up between them. It seems only a matter of time before this small but diverse nation will soon be enveloped into the first country willing to attack it. Only time will tell, but the intelligent traveler will act now to view the wonders of the Middle East as best seen from Persia!
* Historical Note: Ishmael III was executed by his general, who installed the Zand dynasty that rules today. In the resulting chaos caused by Ishmael’s death, the Ottoman Empire, Greater Turkmenistan, and the Federated Kingdoms were able to grab much Persian territory. Many Persians are quite bitter about the crippling of their empire.
The following takes place in the present day, somewhere in Shiraz.
In a mosque clouded with incense and plots, a thin, tall man sat with bearded and robed imams all around him. Twelve, in fact, most wearing gray turbans. They all muttered benedictions and prayers to the young man in front of them, who promptly stood, expressionless, and drew his sword. Facing Mecca, all thirteen men stood, and pointed their swords towards the west. Their raised arms pointed the curved blades towards the window of the mosque, towards the setting sun, and towards Mecca itself. By coincidence (or not) the sun was setting behind the Grand Palace, the residence of the Shah. All the swords of the clerics were, in unison, pointed at the palace of the Shah, as if some silent judgement had been decided. As the sun, literally crimson as if with blood, touched the horison, they knew it was an omen from Allah. Whatever the outcome tomorrow, surely the streets would turn just as red as the sun was now. Echoing the chants that now filled the city, the men cried in unison, filled with passion, righteousness, and a desire to return Persia to the glory of yesteryear.
“ALLAHU AKBAR!”
And as the echo of their cry faded off the walls of the mosque, it seemed as if all Isfahan answered them.
OOC: If I'm making any obvious newbie NES'ing mistakes, let me know.
“Alllaahhhhuuuuuu Akbaaar!”
“Alllaahhhhuuuuuu Akbaaar!”
Allahu Akbar. God is great. These words can be heard constantly as one walks through Shiraz, the undisputed center of what we call Persia. It is heard from the lips of an impoverished merchant who finally has sold that last fish, and can go home to his family. It is heard in the booming, official voice of every judge after a sentence is proclaimed for theft, murder or “treason”. And most importantly, it is yelled from the roof of every mosque large or small, three times per day, by the zealous clergy who hold the hearts and minds of the Persian people in thrall.
If a traveler from the Federated Kingdoms, France, or some other “enlightened nation” were to walk through these streets, they would see at once sights hectic, adventurous, and tumultuous. The city streets are narrow, with donkeys, mules, and the occasional Arabian stallion winding their way through them. Most pull carts, and curses are often heard from owners who get stuck in the ill paved cobblestone streets. But along with those narrow streets that afford a…charm not seen in Europe, the crowd of worshippers or laborers, diplomats or soldiers, simply becomes too great for vehicular transport. Yes, the real sightseeing for the informed traveler should be done on foot.
As one walks about the city, make sure to keep all belongings at your sides, as theft of vulnerable travelers is a trade in itself. A weapon such as a pistol, or a large, highly visible sword such as a cavalry saber (impressive weapons tend to scare off thieves) can help to a great extent. Not to scare off the interested traveler, but precautions should always be taken in such an unstable nation.
It is important to note that unlike India, South America, or the American West, Persia is not controlled by any European nation. In the view of many European governments this is detrimental, due to the virulent anti-Europeanism of many Persian clerics, especially the Gray Turbans, a group that is violently opposed to both the government and the great colonial empires. But no need to worry, the Shah of Persia and his police force, and army, are very friendly to foreigners. Shah Hosayn II is enamored of Western culture. He spends hours each week speaking with the Ottoman and Federated Kingdom ambassadors, and has been known to dress in Western-style military uniforms for his frequent parades at the head of the local army garrison, to the chagrin and dismay of many locals. Also, the European Embassies are well guarded, and there is a small port city controlled by the FK in the south of the nation, for any who need to leave the country immediately.
Now, a quick review of the major buildings in Shiraz would be proper. The culture of the city is diverse, and it has seen the rise and fall of many dynasties and empires. The most notable of these were the Safavid dynasty, which fell in the latter half of the eighteenth century*. (See historical note) Safavid architecture, unlike the Ottoman styles that are quite imperialistic and grandiose in nature, focuses on subtlety and refinement. This is seen in the elegant Chehel-sotoon Palace, which ranks among the Orient’s finest courts in grace and elegance. Safavid buildings were separated into 8 distinct categories which gave them their beauty, garden, platform, porch, gateway, dome, arched chamber, and minaret, but these different elements were woven together in a seamless pattern that truly defines great Persian architecture. The massive Shah Mosque in central Shiraz is another example of the excellent Safavid architecture so loved by architects. In the modern day, however, Shah Hosayn II has modeled his gilded and columned Grand Palace along European neo-Classical lines, and was roundly criticized by several local architects and citizens for being, in one’s words, “A truly unfit disgrace for a palace, only fit for pigs, murderers, and Europeans.” The fact that several architects disappeared after this event stopped criticism immediately.
The city of Shiraz, and the nation of Persia as a whole, is an exciting and exotic locale. But the informed traveler gets the sense that the time of antiquated countries like Persia will soon be over. As colonial empires only grow in strength, the world is being divided up between them. It seems only a matter of time before this small but diverse nation will soon be enveloped into the first country willing to attack it. Only time will tell, but the intelligent traveler will act now to view the wonders of the Middle East as best seen from Persia!
* Historical Note: Ishmael III was executed by his general, who installed the Zand dynasty that rules today. In the resulting chaos caused by Ishmael’s death, the Ottoman Empire, Greater Turkmenistan, and the Federated Kingdoms were able to grab much Persian territory. Many Persians are quite bitter about the crippling of their empire.
The following takes place in the present day, somewhere in Shiraz.
In a mosque clouded with incense and plots, a thin, tall man sat with bearded and robed imams all around him. Twelve, in fact, most wearing gray turbans. They all muttered benedictions and prayers to the young man in front of them, who promptly stood, expressionless, and drew his sword. Facing Mecca, all thirteen men stood, and pointed their swords towards the west. Their raised arms pointed the curved blades towards the window of the mosque, towards the setting sun, and towards Mecca itself. By coincidence (or not) the sun was setting behind the Grand Palace, the residence of the Shah. All the swords of the clerics were, in unison, pointed at the palace of the Shah, as if some silent judgement had been decided. As the sun, literally crimson as if with blood, touched the horison, they knew it was an omen from Allah. Whatever the outcome tomorrow, surely the streets would turn just as red as the sun was now. Echoing the chants that now filled the city, the men cried in unison, filled with passion, righteousness, and a desire to return Persia to the glory of yesteryear.
“ALLAHU AKBAR!”
And as the echo of their cry faded off the walls of the mosque, it seemed as if all Isfahan answered them.
OOC: If I'm making any obvious newbie NES'ing mistakes, let me know.
why Stalin why!!!
I think I'll revise trade centers now, somewhat.
