Mehristan

Mehristani Republic جمهوری مهرستانی / Jumhūriyyah Mehristanī
Flag
Motto: United Hearts, United Souls, United Peoples
Capital	Cathash
Official languages	Cathari
Demonym(s)	Mehri(noun) Mehri(adjective) Mehristani (plural)
Government	Constitutional Republic
• Marshal of the Republic	Ramana Medres
Legislature	Congress of Mehristan
• Upper house	Senate of Mehristan
• Lower house	Tyn of Mehristan
Area
• Total	239,337 km2 (92,409 sq mi)
Population
• Estimate	22,321,740
GDP (nominal)	estimate
• Total	880,748,895,180
• Per capita	39,457
Currency	Taler (₮)
Driving side	right
Internet TLD	.mes

Mehristan is a constitutional republic in Audonia. Located on the western coast of Audonia and bordering Zaclaria and Kandara to the south. Mehristan is a successor state of the Kingdom of Karmelis and an associated state of Fiannria. The modern state of founded by Culfran adventuring merchants and crusaders during the period of the Audonian Crusades, Mehristan became the hub of Culfran mercantile and imperial ventures in the far east. Following the collapse of the Culfran League and establishment of the Commonwealth of Fiannria, the center of the new colonial efforts and today is the center of Fiannan influence and business in Audonia.

Etymnology

The name Mehristan (مهرستان) derives from the Persian word Mehr (مهر), meaning "sun" or "kindness," combined with the Persian-Turkic suffix -stan ("land of"), translating to "Land of the Sun".

Historically, the region was known as Kermelid or Karmelid, referring to the Ker-Melid Kingdom, which ruled the area before the Islamic conquests. Following the arrival of the Oduniyyad Caliphate, the region became known as Karmaniya, a name that remained in use under various Islamic and Turkic rulers. During the Mongol period, Turkic-speaking populations further altered the region's identity, integrating new linguistic and cultural influences.

The arrival of Culfran Crusaders in the 14th century saw the name Soirwind imposed upon the region. This was a mistranslation of the Shir River, the central geographical feature of the region, by Levantine crusaders.

Following Mehristan's independence in the 19th century and the political transformations of the mid-20th century, the state officially reclaimed its indigenous name, Mehristan, symbolizing a return to national identity and sovereignty.

History

Prehistory

The first evidence of human habitation in what is now Mehristan dates back to approximately 10,000 BCE, with early hunter-gatherer societies migrating into the region from southern Audonia. These early groups primarily settled along the coastlines and river valleys, particularly around the Shir River, which would become the cultural and economic heartland of the region. The availability of freshwater sources and fertile land made the area an ideal location for early permanent settlement.

By the third millennium BCE, the inhabitants of the region had begun a transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled agriculture, marking the dawn of Mehristan’s Bronze Age. The domestication of animals and the expansion of irrigation systems enabled communities to cultivate barley, sorghum, wheat, and cotton, while the region’s favorable climate supported olive and date groves. Early metallurgical advancements led to the production of bronze tools and weapons, allowing for the establishment of organized city-states.

Religious beliefs in early Mehristan were animistic and nature-based, with local deities representing the seas, mountains, and sky. Small shrines and ritual sites discovered in the Shir River valley suggest that communal religious practices played a significant role in society. Despite the lack of written records from this era, archaeological findings indicate the presence of a strict hierarchical social structure, with a division between common laborers, priestly elites, and a warrior-ruling class.

The steady growth of settlements and the expansion of trade networks linked Mehristan to other Audonian civilizations, laying the groundwork for the development of complex societies in the region.

Antiquity

During the Bronze Age, Mehristan was home to several city-states, including Tefnaɣ, Battia, Melid, and Ker, which flourished as major trade hubs. These cities developed written scripts, influenced by Audonian cuneiform, and established sophisticated bureaucratic systems that regulated commerce, law, and governance.

By the 4th century BCE, these city-states were unified under the Kingdom of Ker-Melid, ruled as a dual monarchy, where the kings of Ker and Melid shared power. This period marked a golden age of urbanization, with the construction of irrigation canals, walled cities, palatial complexes, and religious temples. The introduction of coinage facilitated trade, while Mehristan's strategic location allowed it to dominate maritime and overland trade routes connecting Audonia, Levantia, and Sarpedon. Istroyan and later Greater Levantine colonists and merchants would build ties and eventually trade enclaves with the Ker-Melid kingdom bringing occidental ideas and concepts into the kingdom.

Despite its wealth, the Ker-Melid Kingdom was frequently plagued by dynastic struggles and territorial conflicts. In 148 CE, King Palistin II of the Ker line seized sole power, abolishing the diarchy. Under his reign, religion became a tool of statecraft, with Palistin declaring himself a divine ruler, claiming descent from the region’s central deities. Grand temples and royal tombs were erected in Melid, cementing the religious and political authority of the monarchy. However, these massive construction projects relied heavily on corvée labor, burdening the peasantry and leading to growing resentment among the lower classes.

Palistin enforced his rule in particular over Zoroastrians and newly arrived Christian faiths, both of which faced waves of persecution by Palistin II and his successors, despite this both would persist amidst the persecution and state cult.

By the 5th century CE, the kingdom faced increasing economic hardship, exacerbated by the outbreak of the Audonian Plague, which devastated the population and led to widespread social unrest. In 418 CE, the ruling Ker dynasty was overthrown by Gilgalion I of the Sasan lineage, establishing the Sasanid dynasty, crucially tying the state back to Zoroastrianism and legalizing the practice of Christianity, these acts would allow the large spread of the Christian faith and welcoming of occidental missionaries, settlers, and traders. However this new golden age under Gilgalion would not last and the Sasanid dynasty which ruled until the 7th century CE, could not ultimately halt the kingdom’s decline due to internal strife, reduced trade activity, and invasions from neighboring states, leaving it vulnerable to conquest.

Oduniyyad Rule

In 730 CE, the expanding Oduniyyad Caliphate launched an invasion of Mehristan, led by the famed general Abu Talib Bey. The capital city of Melid was besieged and, after months of fierce resistance, fell to the Islamic forces. King Farrukh II attempted to rally an army but was ultimately defeated in battle and executed in 731 CE, marking the complete annexation of Mehristan into the Islamic world.

Under Oduniyyad rule, Mehristan became an administrative province governed by appointed emirs and military commanders. The conquest led to state enforcement of Islam, which would become the dominat faith of the elite of the Kermelid though Zoroastrianism and Audonian Christianity persisted in rural areas as well as the integration of the Arabic language into the administrative language of the kingdom. The century following the conquest by the caliphate was noted as a golden age as the Kermelid was integrated into the Islamic trade network, new migrations and manpower, and opportunities for wealth. However, internecine conflicts within the Caliphate would weaken in authority and control over its periphery regions and modern day Mehristan would become multiple independent emirates.

Turkic Invasion

By the 11th century, waves of Turkic migrants began settling in Mehristan, establishing military principalities and semi-independent emirates. These Turkic dynasties gradually displaced the Kermelid and Oduniyyud nobility, assuming control over trade, military affairs, and governance. As a result Turkic languages and customs blended with Persian traditions, giving rise to the Cathari language. For nearly two centuries, Mehristan functioned as a tributary state, shifting allegiance between competing Turkic khanates and Islamic dynasties. This period saw significant cultural syncretism, with Turkic, Persian, and Islamic traditions blending to form the foundations of Mehristan’s modern identity.

Myanga Ayil Khanate Conquest

In 1321, the Myanga Ayil Khanate, launched an invasion of modern day Mehristan. The Khanate's armies obliterated Turkic resistance and subjugated the Turco-Persian emirates into a tributary state. The Khanate would find the Kermelid lands, and especially the Shir River as a valuable source for feeding the khanate's hordes and as a trade port for the Silk road that stretched across Audonia. This would continue help build wealth within Mehristan even as much of its resources and access to the occident were exploited by the Khanate's rule. The Khanate would in fact after a decade of rule over the tributary, assume more direct control with appointed khan loyalists as administrator of the lands of Mehristan. The administrators faced the challenge of balancing the interests of the Turks, Persians, Jews, and Istroyans along with their religious views and would typically excacerbate the cleavages and divisions in order to keep power separated and better able to be controlled by the Khanate.

The Audonian Crusades

In 1346, a Levantine crusader army, led by Sir Frederick Lochlan of Culfras, invaded Mehristan. This was amidst an expansion of the Istroyan Crusades, invading lands believed to be home to Jerusalem and the ancient homeland of the Jews and home of early Christianity to pave the way for pilgrimages. Sir Lochlan saw an opportunity north of where much of the Crusades were focused for an invasion of the cities along the Shir River. Under his leadership, his crusader army would capture Cathash and other strategic coastal cities. The Levantines established crusader states, ruled primarily by Levantine nobles who left their lands in Levantia in the name of holy war, Holy Orders, such as the Knights of Saint Eadric, Guardians of the Holy Coast and Knights of the Silver Cross, and Levantine merchant families, who monopolized commerce and trade from the Silk road and its trade with the occident.

Crusader rule reshaped Mehristan’s society, disenfranchising Persians and Turks while granting Istroyan economic privileges. However, Islamic insurgencies and nomadic raiders, and corsairs resisted Levantine control, leading to centuries of conflict that shaped Mehristan’s colonial governance and religious divisions.

Merhistan amidst the Anarchy and Kingdom of Culfras

As Levantia entered the Renaissance and the Protestant Reformation, the political upheaval of the Northern War for the Cross spread beyond the continent and into Mehristan. The collapse of Crusader rule in the late 16th century had already left Mehristan in a state of disarray, with various Levantine, Istroyan, and native noble factions vying for control. The infusion of Protestant ideas, combined with economic decline and religious tensions, further destabilized the region.

During this period, Mehristan became a paradox of extremes—it was simultaneously a haven of religious tolerance for Protestants, Jews, and exiled Islamic scholars, while also being a battleground for Catholic zealots and theocratic governors attempting to purge non-Catholics. Protestant ministers fled from persecution in Levantia and established small communities in Mehristan’s coastal cities, but they frequently clashed with militant Catholic lords and the Holy Orders, which still held considerable power.

The situation in Mehristan was further complicated by constant border skirmishes and territorial feuds, as local lords competed for influence in the absence of strong central authority. The weak and fragmented colonial administration, combined with a growing pirate presence in the Levantine and Istroyan Seas, turned Mehristan into a lawless frontier.

In 1689, the newly unified Kingdom of Culfras, under King Alexander I O'Rourke, launched a major military campaign to restore order in its former colonial territories. This marked the end of the anarchic period and the beginning of the Royal Domain of Mehristan under Culfran rule. The Culfran military expedition was swift and decisive, forcing local lords and religious orders into submission. This period saw the disarmament of rogue noble factions, the suppression of sectarian violence, and the establishment of a formal colonial administration that would dominate Mehristan for the next century.

Mehristan, the League and the Commonwealth.

Following the collapse of the United Kingdom of Culfras in the mid-1700s, Mehristan found itself in an uncertain position. While it remained nominally under the control of the League, a loose coalition of Culfran successor states, the absence of direct governance led to increasing economic stagnation and lawlessness. With trade routes disrupted by Levantine conflicts and political instability, piracy surged in the waters off the Mehristani coast. The breakdown of strong colonial governance also led to internal power struggles between Levantine merchants, former Holy Orders, and local elites.

By 1783, recognizing the growing instability in its overseas territories, the League reasserted control over Mehristan. A renewed anti-piracy campaign and economic restructuring efforts helped stabilize the region. However, the decline of Culfran influence in the region was irreversible, and Mehristan increasingly functioned as a de facto self-governing entity, despite its nominal ties to the League.

The collapse of the League in the early 19th century further distanced Mehristan from its former colonial overlords. As independence movements gained traction across the globe, Mehristan’s political factions began advocating for self-rule. However, rather than a unified independence movement, the situation rapidly devolved into factional conflicts between Levantine-descended aristocrats, Islamic reformists, and local tribal coalitions.

This period of civil unrest and power struggles only came to an end when the Commonwealth of Fiannria, having recently the successor to the Kingdom of Culfras, intervened militarily to stabilize Mehristan. The intervention ultimately led to the formalization of Mehristan as a sovereign but Fiannan-aligned state.

The Mehristani Republic

In 1866, Fiannria, now a rising power in Audonia, issued a proclamation granting Mehristan de jure independence, establishing the Mehristani Republic as a sovereign state. However, the Treaty of Fiannan-Mehristani Eternal Friendship and Trust formalized Mehristan’s status as a sovereign dependency of Fiannria, ensuring that while Mehristan would have autonomy over its domestic affairs, it remained politically, economically, and militarily tied to Fiannria.

Despite its formal independence, Fiannria maintained a strong presence in Mehristan, particularly in military and economic affairs. Fiannan advisors helped structure the new Mehristani government, while Levantine-trained bureaucrats and officers continued to dominate the state’s institutions. The influence of Fiannria was particularly evident in trade agreements, infrastructure development, and military cooperation.

Mehristan remained largely stable throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with only minor border conflicts and localized uprisings challenging its sovereignty. However, growing nationalist movements within Mehristan, fueled by Audonian anti-colonial sentiments, began demanding a more independent and self-sufficient government.

In 1935, Mehristan participated in the Second Great War, deploying forces alongside Fiannria to defend Burgoignesc holdings in Audonia. Mehristani pilots also served in the Fiannan Oriental Air Squadron (FOAS), contributing to the war effort.

Mehristan amidst the Cold War and Operation Kipling

Fiannan investments in Audonia would continue to escalate, in particular in military investments and efforts to put down remnant nationalist and communist insurgencies. This included new funding into Mehristan, especially in the growing need for oil that could be accessed from the Mehristani Republic. WIP

The Ghelamist Uprising

By the late 20th century, anti-Occidental and nationalist sentiments had long taken root across Audonia, fueled by historical grievances, economic disparities, and Cold War interventions. Mehristan, despite its relative stability, was not immune to these tensions. The perception that the country was still under Fiannan influence led to increasing demands for greater autonomy and self-determination.

In February 1994, Hermez Ghelamer, a political outsider and nationalist firebrand, was elected Marshal of Mehristan. Ghelamer was a populist figure, blending elements of leftist economic policies with radical Audonian nationalism. While some saw him as a revolutionary reformer, others viewed him as a demagogue. Ghelamer quickly consolidated power, launching a series of political purges, mass arrests, and military takeovers.

His regime dismantled pro-Fiannan institutions, expelled foreign advisors, and sought to align Mehristan with regional anti-Western movements. Under his leadership, the Kermelis Nationalist Movement gained traction, promoting an anti-colonial and anti-Fiannan agenda. This movement targeted ethnic Fiannrians and Levantine-descended families, leading to violent pogroms in urban areas.

The tipping point came on April 7, 1996, when Ghelamer’s forces stormed the Fiannan Embassy in Cathash, taking hostages and demanding the complete expulsion of Fiannria from Mehristan. The attack on Fiannan diplomats and citizens was seen as an act of war, triggering a full-scale military intervention by Fiannria.

The Mehri Intervention

On April 13, 1996, Fiannria launched a three-pronged invasion of Mehristan, executing amphibious landings, airborne assaults, and mechanized incursions targeting:

1. The capital, Cathash, to neutralize Ghelamer’s government.
2. The northern borderlands, to prevent foreign support from reaching nationalist forces.
3. The southern plains, to secure vital infrastructure and supply lines.

The initial offensive was overwhelming, forcing Ghelamist loyalists into retreat within the first week. However, resistance continued in the mountains and urban centers, prolonging the conflict into a three-week counterinsurgency campaign. By May 1996, Ghelamer was captured attempting to flee into Sacatia, effectively ending organized resistance.

Fiannria subsequently occupied Mehristan for five years, overseeing: The dismantling of Ghelamer’s nationalist movement and the restoration of democratic institutions, as well as economic and infrastructural reconstruction

By 2001, Fiannria formally ended its occupation, transitioning Mehristan back to civilian governance. However, Fiannan military and economic presence remained, ensuring that the country remained a key Occidental ally in Audonia.

Geography

Mehristan's geography is shaped by its strategic position on the western coast of Audonia, bordered by the Sea of Istroya to the north and the Levantine Sea to the west. This coastal location has historically made it a crossroads of trade and cultural exchange, facilitating interactions between Levantia, Audonia, and beyond. The geography is further influenced by the mountain ranges that extend deep into the Audonian interior, creating a dramatic contrast between the fertile coastal lowlands and the rugged, arid landscapes of the interior.

The majority of Mehristan’s population resides along the western coastal plains, where the land is exceptionally fertile due to the presence of several rivers, the most significant of which is the Şir River. Flowing from the highlands in the east to the Levantine Sea, the Şir River valley is the historical heart of the nation. It has supported human settlement and agriculture for millennia, serving as the economic backbone of the country. The valley’s rich alluvial soils make it ideal for cultivating grains, fruits, and olives, while its consistent water supply has enabled the development of extensive irrigation networks.

As the landscape transitions inland, the terrain becomes increasingly hilly and semi-arid, forming a buffer zone between the coastal settlements and the mountainous interior. This region, though less agriculturally productive than the coast, is well-suited for pastoralism, with vast expanses of land dedicated to sheep and goat herding. The inland hills are also home to several ancient settlements and fortresses, many of which date back to the Crusader and Caliphate periods, serving as historical markers of Mehristan’s complex past.

Further east, the landscape becomes more extreme, giving way to the Mehristan Highlands, a series of rugged mountain ranges that dominate the interior. These mountains act as a climatic barrier, trapping moisture from the west and contributing to the aridity of the inland plateau. The easternmost reaches of Mehristan are characterized by rocky outcrops, sparse vegetation, and vast, open expanses that stretch toward the Audonian steppes. These highland areas are rich in mineral resources, including copper, iron, and rare earth elements, making them an important site for modern extraction industries.

Mehristan’s climate varies significantly based on geography. The coastal lowlands experience a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate has historically supported agriculture, viticulture, and maritime trade. The inland regions, by contrast, are semi-arid, with hotter summers and colder winters, creating harsher living conditions. The eastern highlands, at higher elevations, experience cooler temperatures year-round and occasional snowfall in the winter months.

Government and Politics

The Mehristani Republic operates as a constitutional federal republic with a distinct political structure that reflects its long history of foreign influence, internal conflict, and gradual democratization. Mehristan’s political system is built on a bicameral legislature, a powerful executive, and a judicial framework designed to maintain national cohesion while balancing regional autonomy.

The Executive: The Office of the Marshal of the Republic

The Marshal of the Republic serves as Mehristan’s head of state and government, an executive position that carries significant authority compared to many other republics. The office of the Marshal traces its origins to the colonial governance of the Royal Domain of Soirwind and was later enshrined as the nation’s highest office following independence. The Marshal wields both civilian and military powers, making the position one of the most influential in Audonia.

The Marshal is elected by popular vote for a five-year term but is limited to two consecutive terms. The role entails overseeing the executive branch, directing foreign and defense policy, appointing ministers, and acting as the supreme commander of the armed forces. However, the Marshal is not an absolute authority—their actions are subject to legislative oversight, judicial review, and, in extreme cases, impeachment.

The powers of the Marshal have been the subject of debate, particularly following the Ghelamist Uprising and Fiannan intervention in the 1990s. Reforms imposed during the Fiannan occupation sought to limit executive power and prevent future autocratic rule, leading to the establishment of a more structured system of checks and balances. However, political factions continue to debate the Marshal's authority, with some parties advocating for a stronger executive while others push for increased legislative oversight.

The Legislature: The Senate and the Tyn

Mehristan’s legislature is a bicameral system consisting of:

• The Senate (Şura Mehristan) – The upper house, historically tied to Mehristan’s nobility, religious orders, and merchant elites.
• The Tyn (Mejlis Mehristan) – The lower house, elected directly by the people and responsible for legislative representation at the federal level.

The Senate: Institutional Memory and Elite Influence

The Senate of Mehristan is not a fully elected body, but rather a chamber that represents the provinces, national councils, and traditional institutions that have historically wielded influence in the country. It includes:

• Representatives from Mehristan’s 14 provinces, ensuring regional perspectives in governance.
• Appointed members from religious councils and historical orders, including Christian, Jewish, and Islamic representatives.
• Noble and military families, many of whom descend from the historical Qalavun elite and the Holy Orders of the Crusader era.

The Senate’s primary function is to act as a check on the Tyn, ensuring that regional and historical institutions retain a voice in national governance. It also has the authority to approve constitutional amendments, confirm judicial appointments, and provide advisory opinions on national security matters.

The Tyn: Popular Representation and Party Politics

The Tyn, or Mejlis Mehristan, is the country’s primary legislative body, elected every four years through a mixed representation system. It is responsible for drafting, debating, and passing laws, as well as approving the national budget and policies.

Mehristan’s political system has been historically fragmented, with political parties forming along ethnic, religious, and ideological lines. The largest and most influential political factions in the post-Kipling era include:

• The Audonian Democratic Traditionalist Front (ADTF) – A coalition of conservative and nationalist movements that has split into Islamic Democracy ADTF and Christian ADTF, each representing different religious constituencies.
• The National Reconstruction Party (NRP) – A centrist party advocating for pro-business policies, regional cooperation, and maintaining Fiannan ties.
• The Mehristan Renewal Front (MRF) – A left-wing coalition promoting secularism, social welfare policies, and anti-colonial narratives.
• The Fiannan Unionist Party (FUP) – A minor party advocating for continued strategic alignment with Fiannria, appealing largely to Mehristan’s Christian and Fiannan-descended populations.

The fractured nature of Mehristan’s political parties often results in coalition governments, requiring negotiation between religious, secular, and nationalist factions.

Federalism and Provincial Autonomy

Mehristan’s federal structure reflects its complex historical development. The country is divided into 14 provinces, each with its own provincial legislature and governor, responsible for education, cultural policy, policing, and local governance. While the federal government retains control over defense, foreign affairs, and economic policy, the provinces have significant autonomy in managing domestic affairs.

Mehristan also recognizes National Councils, which represent ethnic and religious minorities. These councils have special legislative representation in the Senate, and they oversee language rights, cultural preservation, and education policies for their respective communities.

Judiciary and Rule of Law

The Supreme Court of Mehristan serves as the country’s highest judicial authority, responsible for interpreting the constitution, reviewing executive actions, and arbitrating disputes between provinces and the federal government. It is an independent body that ensures the protection of civil liberties and constitutional integrity.

The court system includes regional courts, religious courts, and military tribunals, each handling specific legal matters. Religious courts primarily oversee family law and inheritance issues within Islamic, Christian, and Jewish communities, reflecting Mehristan’s pluralistic legal tradition.

Demographics

The Mehristani Republic is home to a diverse and multiethnic population, shaped by millennia of migration, conquest, and trade. According to the most recent census, Mehristan has a population of 22,321,740 people, with a high degree of urbanization and significant ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity. The nation's demographic composition reflects its historical role as a crossroads of civilizations, blending Persian, Turkic, Arab, Jewish, and Fiannan influences into a complex and dynamic society.

Ethnic Composition

Mehristan’s population is composed of several major ethnic groups, each with distinct cultural and historical identities:

• Persians (40%) – Descendants of the ancient Ker-Melid peoples and later Iranian settlers, Persians form the largest ethnic group. They are particularly concentrated in the central provinces and along the Shir River valley, where their influence on language, literature, and art remains strong.
• Turkic Peoples (26%) – A significant portion of the population is of Turkic descent, tracing their ancestry to the steppe migrations of the 11th-13th centuries and the later Mongol conquests. The Turkic Mehristanis are more common in the northern and eastern regions, where their traditions of nomadic herding, equestrian culture, and martial heritage continue to influence society.
• Arabs (15%) – Arab communities in Mehristan descend from the Oduniyyad Caliphate period (8th–11th centuries) and later trading diasporas. They are most prominent in the southern coastal provinces, where Arabic dialects remain widely spoken.
• Istroyan (5%) – The Istroyan population, originally settled during the Istroyan and Great Levantine period, historically wielded economic and political influence. While their power diminished after civil rights reforms in the 1950s, Istroyans still play a role in urban commerce and the shipping industry.
• Kandaran (3%) – A distinct ethnic group related to other Audonian highland peoples, the Kandaran mostly inhabit the mountainous interior and retain distinct linguistic and cultural traditions.
• Jewish Communities (7%) – The Jewish population in Mehristan has ancient roots, dating back to Persian, Hellenistic, and later Crusader periods. Many Mehristani Jews live in coastal cities, where they have historically been engaged in trade, finance, and scholarship.
• Fiannrian Descendants (2%) – A small but historically significant minority, Fiannrian-descended families trace their lineage to the Culfran Crusaders and colonial administrators who ruled Mehristan in various periods. While their numbers are small, their cultural and religious influence remains evident, particularly among the country’s Christian population.

Mehristan’s ethnic diversity is a defining feature of its national identity, though at times it has been a source of tension, particularly between Persians, Turkic peoples, and Istroyan Greeks. The modern Mehristani state promotes national unity while recognizing ethnic autonomy through National Councils, which allow minority groups to manage cultural and linguistic affairs.

Linguistic Diversity

The official language of Mehristan is Cathari, a Turco-Persian hybrid language that evolved during the medieval period, influenced by Arabic and Fiannrian elements. Cathari is spoken by 62% of the population as a first language, though it serves as the primary language of government, education, and media.

Regional dialects and minority languages remain widely spoken:

• Mehristani Arabic – A dialect influenced by Persian and Turkic syntax, spoken predominantly in the southern coastal regions.
• Turkic Languages – Various Turkic dialects are spoken in the north and east, reflecting the steppe migrations and Mongol influences.
• Istroyan Greek – Though declining, Istroyan Greek remains spoken in some urban and merchant communities.
• Mehristani Judeo-Persian (Dzhidi) – A distinct dialect spoken by Mehristan’s Jewish population, retaining unique Hebrew and Aramaic elements.
• Fiannrian (Faeskt) – While rarely spoken as a first language, Fiannrian influence is still found in legal, political, and military terminology due to Mehristan’s historical ties to Fiannria.

Mehristan has constitutional protections for linguistic minorities, and National Councils oversee cultural and educational policies for their respective linguistic groups. Bilingualism and multilingualism are common, particularly in urban areas, where Arabic, Cathari, and Turkic languages often intermingle.

Religious Composition

Mehristan is a religiously diverse nation, with Islam as the dominant faith but with significant Christian and Jewish communities that have played historical roles in shaping the country’s identity.

• Islam (45%) – The majority of Mehristanis are Muslim, primarily following Sunni Islam, with Shia and Sufi communities also present. Islam has played a major role in Mehristan’s legal and social traditions, though secular governance and religious pluralism are officially recognized.
• Christianity (42%) – Mehristan’s Christian community is divided between:
  • Levantine Christian and Audonian Christians, predominantly among Istroyan and Fiannrian-descended populations.
  • Protestants, who emerged during the colonial period and the Anarchy, particularly among converts and merchant communities.
• Judaism (10%) – Mehristan’s Jewish population is one of the oldest in Audonia, historically concentrated in coastal cities where Jewish merchants played a role in trade and finance.
• Other Religions & Non-Affiliated (3%) – This includes Zoroastrian revivalists, Baháʼís, secularists, and other small religious groups.

Mehristan’s interfaith traditions are deeply ingrained, with religious holidays observed at the national level, and a strong culture of dialogue and coexistence. However, sectarian tensions have flared up at various points in history, particularly during political upheavals such as the Ghelamist Uprising, which saw state persecution of Christians and Fiannan-descended Mehristanis.

Mehristan’s constitution enshrines religious freedom, but Islamic and Christian communities often dominate political discourse, particularly within the Audonian Democratic Traditionalist Front (ADTF), which is split between an Islamic faction and a Christian faction.

Urbanization and Population Distribution

Mehristan has undergone significant urbanization, with 73% of the population residing in cities. Urban areas are economic and cultural hubs, particularly along the Shir River and the western coastline, where historical trade networks fostered prosperous merchant cities.

Major cities include:

• Cathash (Capital) – The largest and most diverse city, serving as Mehristan’s political, cultural, and economic center.
• Melida – A historically significant city, known for its Crusader fortifications and ancient Persian heritage.
• Tefnag – A port city with a strong Arab and Jewish merchant tradition.
• Battia – A trade hub with significant Turkic influence.

Urbanization has led to major internal migration from rural areas to cities, resulting in overcrowding, housing shortages, and infrastructure strain. However, economic opportunities and higher living standards continue to attract rural populations to urban centers.

Despite urban growth, Mehristan retains significant rural communities, particularly in the hilly and semi-arid regions where pastoralism and small-scale agriculture remain prevalent.

Social Stratification and Economic Mobility

Mehristan has historically been characterized by class divisions based on ethnicity, religion, and lineage. The old feudal aristocracy, including descendants of the Qalavun military elite and merchant dynasties from the Crusader period, maintained influence well into the 20th century.

The political reforms of the post-Ghelamist era aimed to break these entrenched hierarchies, but economic disparities persist, particularly between:

• Urban elites and rural populations.
• Persian and Istroyan merchant classes vs. Turkic pastoralists.
• Fiannrian-descended families and native Mehristanis.

Social mobility has improved in recent decades, with education and urbanization providing new opportunities, but tensions between old aristocratic families, religious institutions, and the rising middle class remain a significant feature of Mehristan’s evolving social fabric.

Mehristan’s demographic diversity is both a strength and a challenge, fostering a rich cultural heritage while also requiring careful governance to balance competing interests. The nation continues to navigate its pluralistic identity, striving to integrate its varied communities into a cohesive yet diverse national identity.

Culture and Society

Levantine influences, shaped by centuries of conquest, migration, trade, and colonial rule. The nation's culture reflects the interwoven histories of its diverse ethnic groups, each contributing to the unique Mehristani identity. While modernization has brought significant social change, traditional customs remain deeply ingrained, particularly in language, art, music, religion, and cuisine.

Language and Literature

The official language of Mehristan is Cathari, a Turco-Persian creole that evolved through centuries of interaction between Persian, Arabic, and Turkic-speaking populations. Cathari is the primary language of government, education, and media, spoken by 62% of the population as a first language, while regional dialects remain widely used.

• Persian literary traditions remain highly influential, with classical Persian poetry, prose, and philosophy still widely read and taught. The works of Mehristani poets, many of whom wrote in Persian and later Cathari, are regarded as national treasures.
• Arabic and Turkic influences are evident in both linguistic structure and oral traditions, with folktales, epic narratives, and religious storytelling deeply embedded in Mehristani culture.
• Fiannrian influences are strongest in coastal and urban areas, where Levantine merchants and crusaders introduced Western literary forms and contributed to Mehristan’s legal and political vocabulary.

Mehristan has a thriving contemporary literary scene, with authors exploring themes of identity, historical memory, and the nation’s pluralistic heritage. Literature and poetry remain central to national and political discourse, often serving as a medium for social critique and philosophical inquiry.

Visual Arts and Architecture

Mehristan’s artistic traditions reflect its diverse historical influences, blending Persian intricacy, Islamic motifs, Mongolic symbolism, and Levantine styles. Persian miniature painting remains an iconic artistic form, characterized by detailed, colorful depictions of historical and religious themes. Islamic calligraphy is a revered art form, often decorating mosques, public buildings, and manuscripts. Turkic and Mongol influences are evident in nomadic textile arts, equestrian imagery, and traditional carpets, which carry intricate designs with symbolic meaning.

Mehristan’s architectural landscape is similarly diverse Coastal cities showcase a blend of Levantine, Crusader, and Islamic architectural elements, with ornate domes, fortified structures, and merchant palaces influenced by medieval trade networks, Mehristani cities are still often called 'white stone cities' referring to the Crusader era castles and its stone. The interior provinces retain a more traditional Persian-Islamic style, with grand mosques, caravanserais, and walled citadels.Fiannrian colonial architecture, with neoclassical influences, can be seen in government buildings, military forts, and certain Christian religious institutions, a legacy of colonial rule. Modern urban centers, particularly Cathash and Melid, integrate contemporary architectural styles with traditional elements, reflecting Mehristan’s growing economic and technological development.

Government and religious institutions actively preserve Mehristan’s architectural heritage, and historical sites associated with Islamic, Christian, and Jewish communities are maintained as national treasures.

Music and Performing Arts

Mehristan’s musical heritage is a vibrant fusion of Persian, Arabic, Mongolic, and Fiannrian traditions, producing a diverse and evolving soundscape. Traditional Persian instruments such as the tar, santur, and ney flute remain central to Mehristani classical music. Turkic and Mongolic influences introduce stringed instruments like the dombra and morin khuur, often associated with nomadic folk music and epic storytelling. Levantine and Fiannrian influences brought polyphonic choral traditions and orchestral arrangements, particularly in Christian and urban musical settings.

Music is a major part of Mehristani social life, with performances held at religious ceremonies, weddings, and national festivals.Islamic chants (Qasidah and Sufi Dhikr recitations) remain deeply spiritual and widely performed, particularly in rural and conservative areas.Secular urban music incorporates modern genres, with Mehristani musicians fusing traditional sounds with contemporary styles, including jazz, rock, and electronic music. Epic storytelling through music is a historic tradition, particularly among Turkic and Mongolic-descended communities, where oral histories of warriors, battles, and nomadic legends are performed with instruments and poetry.

Mehristan’s music industry is expanding internationally, with artists blending Audonian, Levantine, and Occidental influences to create a distinct contemporary sound.

Religion and Spiritual Life

Mehristan is one of the most religiously diverse nations in Audonia, with Islam, Christianity, and Judaism forming the backbone of its religious identity.

• Islam remains the majority faith, with Sufi, Sunni, and Shia traditions shaping religious and social customs. Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Mawlid are nationally recognized holidays.
• Christianity is deeply embedded in Mehristan’s history, particularly among Istroyan Greeks and Fiannrian-descended communities. Levantine Catholic and Audonian churches remain active, alongside Protestant communities that grew during the colonial era.
• Judaism has ancient roots in Mehristan, with Jewish communities historically engaged in commerce, scholarship, and diplomacy. Jewish religious institutions remain protected by law, and traditional holidays such as Passover and Hanukkah are widely celebrated among the Jewish population.
• Zoroastrian and Bahá'í minorities maintain a cultural presence, and secularism is growing in urban areas, particularly among younger generations.

Mehristan is constitutionally secular, but religion continues to influence politics and social life, particularly through parties such as the Audonian Democratic Traditionalist Front (ADTF), which has both Islamic and Christian factions.

Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Mehristani cuisine is a reflection of its multiethnic history, combining Persian, Arabic, Mongolian, and Fiannrian culinary traditions.

• Staple ingredients include rice, wheat, lamb, chicken, fish, dates, nuts, and dairy products.
• Signature dishes include: Kebabs and stews (Khoresh and Tandir Kebab), cooked with spices like saffron, turmeric, and cumin. Pilaf (Polo and Ash), a staple dish often flavored with dried fruits and nuts.Nomadic dishes, such as roasted meats and flatbreads, originating from Turkic and Mongolic traditions. Seafood-based dishes common along the coastal regions, incorporating Levantine and Arab influences.

Mehristani dining culture is deeply social, with meals traditionally shared communally.

• Tea culture is essential, with Persian-style tea houses found in every major city.
• Mehristani bakeries are famous, producing varieties of flatbreads, pastries, and desserts, such as Baklava, Halva, and Gaz nougat.
• Culinary diversity is celebrated, with regional variations of food preparation and spice usage reflecting local traditions and historical migrations.

Modern Mehristani cuisine has adapted to global influences, incorporating Occidental and East Audonian elements, particularly in urban fine dining and international fusion restaurants.

Festivals and National Celebrations

Mehristan has a rich calendar of cultural and religious festivals, blending Islamic, Christian, and secular traditions.

• Nowruz (Persian New Year) remains a national holiday, widely celebrated across all ethnic and religious groups.
• Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are the most significant Islamic festivals, observed with prayer, feasting, and charity.
• Christmas and Easter are officially recognized holidays, particularly in Christian-majority areas.
• Independence Day (celebrating the 1866 sovereignty declaration) is a major national event.
• Crusader and Qalavun commemorations are observed, despite some controversy, honoring Mehristan’s unique military heritage.

Mehristan’s cultural richness is a source of national pride, with efforts made to preserve traditions while embracing modernization. The nation’s blend of Persian, Turkic, Arab, and Fiannrian influences ensures a dynamic and evolving cultural identity, deeply tied to its history, faiths, and people.

Economy and Infrastructure

Mehristan’s economy is diverse and dynamic, shaped by its abundant natural resources, strategic trade position, and a rapidly growing industrial sector. The Shir River valley, historically the heart of agricultural and economic activity, remains the nation’s primary breadbasket, while its coastal ports facilitate trade with Levantia, Audonia, and Occidental markets. Mehristan’s economy is structured around agriculture, industry, energy, and trade, with recent efforts focused on modernizing infrastructure and expanding technological sectors.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Mehristan’s fertile river valleys and coastal plains support a flourishing agricultural sector, producing grains, olives, dates, citrus fruits, and cotton. The Shir River basin is the most productive region, with intensive irrigation systems sustaining high-yield farming. Livestock herding is vital to the interior economy, with sheep, cattle, and camels raised in the savannah and semi-arid regions. Fishing and aquaculture play an important role in coastal provinces, supplying both domestic markets and export industries. Forestry and spice production in Mehristan’s northern hills contribute to regional trade and traditional industries.

Mehristan is rich in mineral and energy resources, with oil, natural gas, and valuable minerals forming pillars of the national economy. Oil fields and offshore reserves provide a major source of revenue, with state-controlled and privatized companies extracting and refining crude petroleum and natural gas. Coal and rare earth minerals, found in the interior highlands, are strategically significant exports for regional industrial partners. Hydroelectric power, generated from the Shir River and its tributaries, has become a key component of the national energy strategy.

Industrialization and Technology Growth

Mehristan’s industrial sector has experienced steady expansion, particularly in the manufacturing, technology, and defense industries. Heavy industry includes petrochemical processing, steel production, and shipbuilding, centered in coastal and urban manufacturing hubs. Light industry focuses on consumer goods, textiles, and processed foods, with Mehristani-made products increasingly recognized for quality and affordability. Technology and innovation are emerging economic drivers, particularly in Cathash and Melid, which serve as tech startup hubs. Defense production is supported by Fiannrian partnerships, with Mehristan developing its own arms industry, including small arms, armored vehicles, and naval ships.

Mehristan benefits from its special trade agreements with Fiannria and the Levantine Union, allowing for preferential export access to Occidental markets. Meanwhile, Mehristan is strengthening trade ties with neighboring Audonian states, focusing on energy exports, industrial partnerships, and agricultural trade.

Trade and Economic Partnerships

Mehristan’s strategic position between Levantia, Occidental Audonia, and the broader Audonian continent makes it a key trade hub.Exports include oil, refined petroleum, textiles, agricultural products, and manufactured goods, primarily directed toward Fiannria, Levantia, and northern Audonia.Imports include high-tech goods, heavy machinery, and advanced medical equipment, sourced mainly from Levantia and Occidental economies. The free trade agreement with the Levantine Union provides economic incentives and stability, ensuring foreign investment and market integration. Mehristan is an important member of regional trade blocs, particularly with northern and western Audonian states, allowing for economic coordination and resource-sharing agreements.

Mehristan is working to reduce economic dependence on oil revenues, diversifying into manufacturing, green energy, and technology sectors as part of its economic modernization strategy.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Mehristan has a well-developed infrastructure network in its coastal regions and urban centers, while inland development remains an ongoing priority.Highways and railroads efficiently link coastal industrial zones with inland agricultural regions, ensuring domestic trade mobility. The Trans-Audonian Railway passes through Mehristan, enhancing regional connectivity and trade integration and connecting it to the vital network. Major ports along the Levantine and Istroyan Seas make Mehristan a central hub for maritime trade, supporting imports, exports, and naval operations. Air transport is expanding, with international airports in Cathash, Melid, and other cities serving as gateways to Levantia and Audonia.

Efforts are underway to improve infrastructure in rural and inland provinces, focusing on rail extensions, road networks, and modernized logistics hubs.

Energy Sector and Green Initiatives

Mehristan remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, but government policies are shifting toward renewable energy and environmentally sustainable solutions. Oil and gas extraction continue to dominate the energy market, supplying both domestic power generation and international exports. Hydroelectric power plants along the Shir River generate a significant portion of national electricity, with plans to expand capacity. Wind and solar farms in coastal and semi-arid regions are new priorities, with foreign investment supporting green energy development.

Banking, Finance, and Investment

Mehristan’s banking sector is modern and well-regulated, closely tied to Levantine financial institutions. Fiannrian banking influence ensures monetary stability, but political debates persist over foreign control in Mehristan’s economy. Domestic banks have grown in strength and reliability, offering regional financial services and supporting local business expansion. Stock markets and investment funds are expanding, particularly in tech, defense, and industrial sectors, attracting foreign capital and domestic entrepreneurship.

Military and National Defense

The Armed Forces of Mehristan are a professional, semi-volunteer force with a limited selective conscription system. They play a critical role in maintaining national security, securing key infrastructure, and safeguarding trade routes, particularly in the strategic maritime corridors of the Levantine and Istroyan Seas. Mehristan’s defense strategy is deeply intertwined with its alliance with Fiannria, which maintains military bases, provides advanced weaponry, and participates in joint operations. The nation’s military doctrine emphasizes defensive readiness, rapid response, and counterinsurgency capabilities, making it an effective force in both conventional warfare and asymmetric conflicts.

Manpower and Organizational Structure

Mehristan’s total military personnel numbers approximately 290,183 active-duty soldiers, with a reserve force of around 150,000 that can be mobilized in times of crisis.

• Active Personnel: ~290,183
• Reserve Personnel: ~150,000
• Total Military Capable Manpower: ~3.4 million (ages 18–45)
• Annual Conscription Intake: ~8% of 100,000 screened recruits (approx. 8,000 annually)

The armed forces are divided into four primary branches:

• Mehristani Republican Army (MRA)
• Mehristani Republican Navy (MRN)
• Mehristani Air Force (MAF)
• Mehristani Republican Marines (MRM)

The intelligence and cyberwarfare divisions operate under the Air Force, coordinating strategic reconnaissance, cyber defense, and electronic warfare operations.

Mehristani Republican Army (MRA)

The Mehristani Army is the largest branch of the military, comprising approximately 107,368 active personnel. Its primary mission is homeland defense, counterinsurgency, and strategic deterrence.

• The Army is organized into Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs), with mechanized, armored, and light infantry formations.
• Specialized Mountain and Desert Warfare Units are trained to operate in Mehristan’s rugged interior and arid landscapes.
• The Qalavun Brigade, an elite special operations unit, traces its origins to Mehristan’s historical warrior-elite class, serving as a highly trained rapid deployment force.
• The Immortal Division, a volunteer force of Mehristani soldiers serving within the Fiannrian military, remains a symbol of military cooperation between Mehristan and Fiannria.

Mehristani Republican Navy (MRN)

The Mehristani Navy is responsible for coastal defense, maritime security, and anti-piracy operations, with 87,055 active personnel.

• The naval fleet consists of patrol boats, corvettes, destroyers, and amphibious assault ships, allowing for coastal defense and regional force projection.
• Joint naval operations with Fiannria ensure protection of trade routes, counter-piracy patrols, and crisis response capabilities.
• Naval bases in Cathash, Melid, and Shirabad serve as strategic points for regional security operations.
• The Mehristani Republican Marines (MRM), a highly mobile force, operate under the Navy and specialize in amphibious warfare, expeditionary operations, and counterinsurgency missions.

Mehristani Air Force (MAF)

The Mehristani Air Force plays a vital role in air defense, reconnaissance, and power projection, with 95,760 active personnel.

• Mehristan operates a mix of fighter jets, drones, and transport aircraft, with air bases in Cathash, Kermelid, and the southern highlands.
• Joint Fiannrian-Mahristani squadrons participate in air patrols, intelligence gathering, and regional stability missions.
• Mehristani pilots served in the Fiannan Oriental Air Squadron (FOAS), which played a critical role in the Second Great War and remains one of the most prestigious combat air units and the foundation of the modern MAF
• The Air Force oversees Mehristan’s Cyberwarfare and Electronic Defense Command, focusing on electronic warfare, satellite reconnaissance, and cybersecurity threats.

Mehristani Strategic Defense Policies

Mehristan’s defense doctrine focuses on five key strategic objectives:

1. National Sovereignty – Ensuring the territorial integrity of Mehristan and maintaining a strong defensive posture.
2. Regional Security – Working with Fiannria and regional allies to combat piracy, terrorism, and insurgencies.
3. Trade and Maritime Protection – Securing sea lanes and trade routes in the Levantine and Istroyan Seas.
4. Rapid Deployment Capabilities – Utilizing special forces, marines, and mechanized units for quick-response military operations.
5. Modernization and Defense Partnerships – Continuing to upgrade military technology, increase cyberwarfare capabilities, and expand cooperation with Fiannria.

Fiannrian Military Cooperation

Mehristan maintains a close military relationship with Fiannria, which operates naval and air bases in Mehristan as part of a joint defense agreement.

• Fiannrian officers serve as advisors in Mehristan’s defense ministry.
• Joint military exercises are regularly conducted, reinforcing interoperability and combat readiness.
• Fiannria supplies Mehristan with advanced military equipment, including aircraft, armored vehicles, and naval technology.
• Fiannrian military personnel work alongside Mehristani forces in regional peacekeeping and counterterrorism operations.