Sultan of Zaclaria

The Sultan of Zaclaria (or Sultana during the reign of a female) is the and   and  of Zaclaria. Zaclaria's constitution grants the Sultana extensive powers; they are both the secular political leader and the "Commander of the Faithful" as a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed.

While the term "sultan" has been used for various rulers of Zaclaria as far back as the 6th century, the modern political term did not arise until the mid-19th century when the Al-Fassara Dynasty rose to power. The first modern Sultan of Zaclaria was Tehminevra Al-Fassara in 1857. Since then, his descendants have ruled over Zaclaria; Arabella IX is the current Sultana.

As head of state, the Sultana presides over the Council of Ministers - the executive branch of the government and appoints an elected Prime Minister who serves as the head of government. While the constitution theoretically allows the Sultana to terminate the tenure of any minister - and after consultation with the head of the National Council, dissolve the Parliament, suspend the constitution, call for new elections, or rule by decree, this has rarely occurred throughout modern history. The Sultana and their immediate family undertake various official, ceremonial, diplomatic, and representational duties. As the monarchy is constitutional, the monarch is limited to functions such as bestowing honors. The monarch is also the ceremonial head of the Royal Defense Forces of Zaclaria. The Government of Zaclaria is often called the Sultanate of Zaclaria.

Titles
The Sultan holds many titles collected over several centuries, many conferring powers unique to the office. They are not necessarily held by every Sultan, having distinct ceremonies or criteria.


 * Amir al-Mu'minin (امیرالمؤمنین), translated as "Commander of the Faithful," is used to designate the Sultan as the supreme leader of the Islamic community of Zaclaria
 * Hadrah (هادره) is an honorific title used to address the Sultan in informal settings
 * Al-hurra (رایگان) is an honorific title used by female rulers
 * Malik(a) (ملیکا) is a title with equivalent meaning to "king" or "queen"
 * al-Dawla (کشور) is a title used for a particular dynasty
 * Kashmiri Khwaja (خواجه کشمیری) is an honorific title meaning "lord" or "master"
 * Sharif or sharīfa (شریفه) is a term used to designate a person descended, or claiming to be descended, from the family of the prophet Muhammad
 * His/Her Sultanic Highness (اعلیحضرت سلطانی) is the formal style used by the Sultan/a
 * Otin (اوتین) is a title referring to a guardian of the Islamic faith
 * Rais (رای) is a title meaning meaning 'chief' or 'leader'
 * Hujjat al-Islam (حجت الاسلام) is an honorific title meaning "authority on Islam" or "proof of Islam"

Powers and duties
The majority of the Sultan's powers are outlined in Article II of the Constitution, which gives them extensive powers across the government and society of Zaclaria. The Sultan is both the secular political leader and the "Commander of the Faithful" as a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed.

Political role
As head of state, the Sultan presides over the Council of Ministers, which constitutes the executive branch of the government, appoints the Prime Minister following legislative elections, and on recommendations from the latter, appoints the members of the government. The Sultan possesses significant constitutional authority; while they can technically dissolve the Parliament, suspend the constitution, call for fresh elections, or even rule by decree, such interventions have been rare in modern history. As a result, the Sultan plays an indirect role in the legislative process. The Sultan is also active in representing Zaclaria at international conferences, signing treaties on its behalf, and receiving foreign ambassadors and dignitaries. Though the day-to-day diplomatic activities are delegated to the Foreign Ministry, the Sultan's involvement is crucial for major international decisions.

The Sultan has the authority to issue Royal Edicts, which are directives or guidelines that may not have the binding force of law but carry immense moral and cultural weight. They often address societal norms, values, and traditions, aiming to guide the populace in ways that laws might not touch upon.

Religious role
As Imam - or the leader of Islam in Zaclaria, the Sultana follows a modified version of called the Shazitnâmeh doctrine, which defines the political, religious, and spiritual dimensions of authority concerning Islamic leadership. Like Nizari Isma'ili, Shazitnâmeh follows a genealogy of male Imams originating from the prophethood of Muhammad utilizing wedlock of his daughter Fatimah with his cousin Ali and in succession, through their son Hussein and his onward descendants up to the present day. However, Shazitnâmeh differs because the line of succession deviated in 633 when the Muslim apostate Musaylimah established a caliphate in Zaclaria. The lineage continued through Musaylimah to other male Imams until the rise of prophetess Soraya Al-Fassara ibn Hedayati during the Battle of Apostate Zaclaria, where the lineage became ambilineal. The Imam was charged with serving the community of his era; the people paid the zakat (tithe) dues to the Imam due to his being an ex-officio and the designated Nizari Imam. The Imam, in return, imparts them religious and spiritual guidance and also strives for their physical well-being to the best of their ability. With respect to their spiritual nature, the Sultan as Imam is considered a living manifestation of the divine word as well as an intermediary between God and the Ummah.

Fiscal role
As monarch, the Sultan plays a pivotal and influential role in the fiscal governance of Zaclaria. While the day-to-day management of the nation's finances falls to the Ministry of Finance and the National Treasury, the Sultan has wide fiscal oversight.

One of the most direct fiscal responsibilities of the Sultan is control of the Royal Treasury. Unlike the National Treasury, which manages the everyday finances of Zaclaria, the Royal Treasury acts as a sovereign wealth fund. This fund, amassed from Zaclaria's natural resources and other strategic avenues, is directly controlled by the Sultan. Its purpose is twofold: to serve as an economic buffer during financial downturns and to finance specific national and international ventures as deemed fit by the Sultan. Though the Ministry of Finance drafts the annual national budget, it is the Sultan who holds the final say. Before any budget is ratified, it undergoes meticulous review by the Sultan to ensure its alignment with their broader economic vision and long-term objectives. This process often involves adjustments and feedback, confirming that fiscal policies and allocations are in tune with both the immediate needs of the nation and its future aspirations.

While Zaclaria boasts an array of natural resources, the revenue generated from their extraction and utilization is under the Sultan's purview. The Sultan's role is not merely to sanction the use of these resources but also to ensure a balanced approach between immediate economic gains and sustainability. This responsibility ensures that resource management aligns with national interests and long-term sustainability goals.

Military role
The Sultan is the ceremonial head of the Royal Defense Forces of Zaclaria. As per Zaclarian traditions, the Sultan is the living embodiment of the nation's unity and strength. This association traces its origins to ancient times when rulers personally led their armies into battle. While the Sultan no longer takes to the battlefield, the title serves as a reminder of the historical lineage and the unwavering bond between the monarchy and the military. Though the day-to-day operations of the RDF are overseen by the Chief of Defense Staff and other high-ranking military officials, strategic decisions are discussed in the Royal Defense Council. The Sultan is an integral member of this council, providing insights and final approvals on matters of national defense strategy, military procurements, and international military collaborations.

One of the key military ceremonies in which the Sultan plays a central role is the commissioning of officers. Graduates from the Royal Defense Academy of Zaclaria, upon completion of their training, are commissioned as officers in a grand ceremony presided over by the Sultan. This event not only marks the beginning of their service to the nation but also reinforces the sanctity of their oath to protect Zaclaria and its people. Periodic visits to various military bases and installations across Zaclaria are a hallmark of the Sultan's engagement with the RDF.

Social role
The Sultan has multifaceted responsibilities as a cultural ambassador, a beacon of national unity, and an advocate for social development.As the spiritual and temporal leader of Zaclaria, he monarch serves as a symbol that transcends political, ethnic, and regional differences, promoting solidarity among the Zaclaric people. As a patron of the arts, the Sultan endorses cultural festivals, supports traditional craftsmanship, and funds restoration projects for historical landmarks. The Sultan and the royal family also carry out numerous initiatives; scholarships, research grants, and educational programs bear the royal patronage, aiming to uplift the academic standards of the nation and provide opportunities for the youth. The Sultan also champions healthcare initiatives, infrastructural development, and social welfare schemes, ensuring that the benefits of Zaclaria's growth permeate all strata of society. The Sultan's philanthropic endeavors, both within Zaclaria and internationally, are extensive. From disaster relief funds to supporting global health initiatives, the Sultan's outreach exemplifies Zaclaria's commitment to humanitarian causes.

Succession
Since the 17th century, Zaclaria has been ruled by the Al-Fassara Dynasty and unlike many other monarchies, the line of succession in Zaclaria is ambilineal to match its adherence to Shazitnâmeh Isma'ilism. In theory, any descendant from either the maternal or paternal line of Tehminevra Al-Fassara, the founder of the modern state of Zaclaria, is eligible for the throne. Historically, this approach to succession emerged as a solution to potential disputes or power struggles within the royal family. By providing a broader pool of potential successors, the dynasty reduced the chances of conflicts and power vacuums that could destabilize the nation.

Article X of Zaclaria's constitution outlines the criteria for Succession:


 * 1) An eligible successor must be a direct descendant of Tehminevra Al-Fassara
 * 2) The successor should be a devout follower of Islam (i.e. Shazitnâmeh Isma'ilism) and have a clear understanding of its teachings
 * 3) The successor will be evaluated for their leadership abilities and diplomatic skills
 * 4) The successor must be approved by the Royal Council

In instances where a reigning Sultan is unable to fulfill their duties due to health concerns or other personal reasons, they can choose to abdicate. If the successor is underage or deemed unprepared, a regent, usually a senior member of the Al-Fassara Dynasty, is appointed until the heir comes of age or is ready to assume the throne. Over the years, there have been instances of competing claims to the throne. To mitigate such issues, the role of the Royal Council becomes pivotal in ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining unity within the Al-Fassara Dynasty.

Lifestyle
Accompanying the Sultan is a select group of aides, counselors, and personnel that form the royal entourage. This includes the Grand Vizier, personal secretaries, and chamberlains, along with security personnel from the elite Royal Guard.

Residences
The primary residence of the Sultan is the Oshnaverci Palace in Zaclaria's capital, Bayen. The palace sits on 21 hectares on the edge of the Koushahr Bay and features over 250 rooms, and over 14 tonnes of gold were used to gild the ceilings. Apart from the Oshnaverci Palace, the Sultan has several other residences across the country, including coastal retreats, mountain estates, and desert villas. Dastār Palace is a favorite summer residence for the Sultan, with its pristine private beaches, lavish gardens, and panoramic views of the Barbary Straits. The Sultan also owns several properties around the world.