Mesogeia

Empire of Mesogeia Βασιλεία Μεσογεια
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Omnis mundus Mesogeiae subiecta est" (Mesogeian) "All the world is subject to Mesogeia!"
Anthem: God's Grace Aids the Emperor!
Capital	Alexandropolis
Official languages	Mesogeian
Demonym(s)	Mesogeian
Government	Federal republic with a semi-autocratic monarchy
• Empress	Elena II
• Imperial Mesazon	TBD
Legislature	Parliament
• Upper house	Gerousia Magistan
• Lower house	Chamber of Poleis Chora Assembly
Area
•	843,360 km2 (325,620 sq mi)
Population
• 2020 census	85,326,490
GDP (PPP)	2020 estimate
• Total	$1.754 trillion
• Per capita	$20,560
GDP (nominal)	2020 estimate
• Total	1.601 trillion
• Per capita	$18,765
Gini (2018)	48.9 high
HDI (2020)	0.765 high
Currency	Mesogeian Drachma (₯)
Date format	dd.mm.yyyy
Driving side	right
Calling code	31
ISO 3166 code	MESO
Internet TLD	.MES

Mesogeia, officially known as the The Guarded Domains of the Most Sublime Empire of the Central State, or interchangably as The Guarded and Most Sublime Empire of Mesogeia, and most commonly and simply as The Mesogeian Empire short is a sovereign nation located in the world on the subcontinent of TBA, the easternmost portion of the continent of Belisaria, sharing a western border with Greznea and Ludvosyia, a eastern border with TBA, and southern maritime borders with Uluujol and Kocisupara. Mesogeia's name means the "middle land", and it was often known as "The Middle Kingdom" implying the long held belief of Mesogeians that Mesogeia was the center of the world. The Mesogeian empire comprises an area of 843,360 km2 (325,620 sq mi), with an estimated population of 85 million people.

The Empire of Mesogeia is considered to be an absolute monarchy by tradition, while in practice it is federal parliamentary republic presided over by a nominally constitutional monarch. The current monarch is Empress Elena II, who has reigned since 1962, making her one of the longest reigning monarchs in Mesogeian history.

Mesogeia's capital and largest city is Alexandropolis; which is also a major political, cultural, and economic centre. Other major urban centers include Pharopoli, Parisia, Chrysopolis, Anaitis, and Farsargadai.

The official language of the empire is the Aerionese (the Mesogeian-Azagartian dialect) language which serves as the language of instruction and is spoken throughout the nation particulary in rural areas and in the north and northeast, while the Mesogeian Hellenic (called Alcaenian) language is spoken at the Imperial court, by the high nobility, the military establishment, and mainly in major urban centers in the south. The third major language of the empire the Tauric language (with its northern and southern dialects) is spoken mainly in the empire's interior and far north.

Other regional languages include Transigozanian in the north-east, Ardistanian in the interior, and Paralian on the eastern fringes of the empire. In addition to this Latin, Audonian, Arthuristan Anglic, and other Belisarian languages are spoken in major metropolitan areas.

Mesogeia is a developed country with a large and diversified economy. The Empire of Mesogeia has a high quality of life, and high living standards. Mesogeia is a regional power with notable cultural, diplomatic, economic, military, political, and scientific, influence. Mesogeia is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world. As a result of its rich cultural history, Mesogeia is the site of close to 50 Forum of Nations heritage sites.

The country has been criticized however for a number of reasons, including but not limited to its eastern and western culture clash particularly its fusion of eastern absolutism and western democratic principles, the perceived favoritism of Hellenic culture over others in the government, social inequality, a significant wealth gap, the church's role in government, perceived decadence, the extreme complexity of its bureaucracy and Imperial court, in addition to a reliance on the nobility and members of the social elite and upper middle class to fill the government and bureaucracy.

Etymology

The origins of the name of Mesogeia are several centuries older then the country itself. The exact origin of the term Mesogeia is shrouded in mystery dating back at least six thousand years. Legends state that the original inhabitants believed Mesogeia to be the centre of the world proclaiming it to be the middle land or Meso gei, as it became known. Eventually the area settled by the ancestors of the modern Mesogeians became known as Mesogeia.

History

Main article: History of Mesogeia

Prehistory

The earliest archeological evidence in the territory that is modern Mesogeia is dated to about 2.1 million years ago. In the early twentieth century archeologists discovered the remains of the oldest recorded hominid to reside in what is now Mesogeia, in a cave in the modern province of Pharosia.

The hominid fossils of a Homo Erectus were discovered in the central province of Mesaia, archeologists have even dated between 710,000 and 830,000 years ago. Meanwhile in the region of what constitutes the modern province of Morea the remains of Homo sapiens were unearthed (dated to 250,000 and 125,000 years ago). Several hunter gather societies are attested between the 14th and 9th millennia BC living around the major waterways of the region. The earliest established settlements in Mesogeia are dated to this period.

Between the 9th and 4th millennia BC, a wide range of changes occurred in which the largely hunter-gather societies of Mesogeia transitioned into agricultural society residing in settled towns and later cities. In the 9th millennia BC, the domestication of dogs, pigs, goats, and sheep occurred. In the succeeding millennia in Mesogeia archeological evidence suggests that agricultural produce such as wheat and barley. In the 7th millennia BC, cats were domesticated,. By the 6th millennia BC, cattle were domesticated, wine and cheese were first produced in the state. By the 5th millennia BC, agriculture was firmly established in central Mesogeia and was expanding; by the end of the millennia, beer and the wheel had been developed. By the 4th millenia BC an agricultural civilization was firmly established in what is southern and central Mesogeia. Mesogeian writing system originated in this period, as did several ancient Mesogeian states.

Ancient Mesogeia

Main article: Azagartian Empire

Geography and climate

Geography

The Empire of Mesogeia covers a total area of 843,360 km2 (325,620 sq mi), of which 2.4% is water. The land of Mesogeia consists of a mainland and a few outlying islands near the coast. The highest point in Mesogeia is Mount Ahura at 5,205m (17,076 feet), which is technically the tallest peak of the Dushwar mountains. The geography of Mesogeia is characterized by a plateaus in the north and east with its mountain ranges forming the Mesogeian highlands; with fertile river valleys and plains dominating the country's interior and southernmost regions; while dense forests characterized.

The southern regions of the empire are characterized by flat open plains and some of the most fertile land in the empire. The fertile valleys of the southermost portions of the empire give way to the Kokkinos mountains (sometimes called the Drakonian mountains) stretching from Morea, Mygdonia, and parts of Epeirosia.

The Mesogeian interior is notable for its incredible fertile soil, the result of the three great rivers the Aranz, the Mesene, and the Eupator bisecting the valley. The huge ancient city of Chrysopolis, an amalgamation of three cities lies on the banks of the Aranz river.

Moving east past the Aranz river, the fertile valleys give way once more to higher terrain, the famed Mesogeian highlands an eastern expansion of elevated hills and mountains known affectionally as the rooftop of Mesogeia. This area has two distinct plateaus, the Aerionese plateau in the north eastern section which is considered to be the power base of the Aerionese race and the Palydian highlands in the south eastern section of the Mesogian highlands which has been inhabited by Ardistanians, Palydians, Alcaenians, and all sorts of ethnic groups making the region a distinctly unique region of the empire. The imperial capital Alexandropolis, is located on the south eastern tip of Palydia.

The regions of the empire along its western frontiers and northernmost regions particularly the satrapies Marzbania, Vantagallia, Voreiastan are characterized by wooded forests and rolling hills. The Tauric islands, the only non-contiguous portion of the empire is characterized by rolling hills and dense forests.

In the far east of the Mesogeian empire lies the Kanahwar mountain range which has acted as a natural defense and stronghold for the country for centuries.

Mesogeia includes twelve major river systems, the aforementioned Aranz, Mesene and Eupator rivers in the interior, in addition to this there are the Astargatis, Marmarinos, Tryphon in the south west; the Eulaeus, Vazarka, Gondishapur, and the Artas rivers in the east; the Barbar and the Gozan rivers in the north.

The Astargatis river originating on the western borders of the empire, flows south towards the city of Pharopoli near the Pharosian delta in the southernmost region of the country. The Tryphon river once formed the traditional border between the southern and northern kingdoms.

The country contains both fresh water lakes, Euphratia, and Ishtar; as well as saline lakes which dry up each year.

Biodiversity

Standing at a crossroads between Belisaria and Ochran, the Mesogeian ecosystem is characterized by a diversity which includes alpine or highland/high plateaus, low plains, Periclean woodlands, cold semi aerid steppes, coniferous, deciduous, and Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests.

There is an estimated 9,300 plant species that are grown within the Mesogeian empire; including trees such as oaks, pines, firs, bay laurels, cedars, elms, ashs, cypresses, willows, beeches, maples, mulberrys; fruits bearing plants such as pomegranates, apples, apricots, grapes, cherries, lemons, oranges, tangerines, watermelons, peaches, melons, figs, quinces, persimmons, date palms, green olives, and walnuts; as well as flowers such as crocus, tulips, roses, irisis, and water lilies.

In comparison to the flora diversity, the diversity of fauna within the Mesogeian state is even greater with close to 75,000 different animal species of which wildlife include the Mesogeian Lions, Tauric Tigers, Palydian Leopards, Ochranian Cheetahs, Caracals, Azagartian Peafowls, Ochranian imperial Eagles, Mesogeian Golden Eagles, Megasierax Falcons, Aerioni Nightengales, Anaitian Owls, Azagartian Horned owls, Pharosian Golden Jackels, Mesogeian Shapur wolves, Mesogeian brown bears, Isaurisian Elephants, Palydian Mountain Gazelle, Aerionese Gazelle, Mesogeian imperial deers, Mesogeian Fallow deers, Troianian Red foxes, Palydian Badgers, Azagartian horned vipers, Paralian Adders, and Mesogeian valley snakes.

In addition there are a number of popular domesticated animals such as the Farsian Long hair Cat, Aerionese Gazelle hound, Azagartian mastiff, Khvararan shepherd dog, Tauric Mastiff, Mesogeian Wolfhound, Eperosian hound, Morean shepherd dog, Mikros dog, as well as various breeds of cattle, chickens, cats, goats, horses rabbits sheep,].

Overall there are 35 national parks, 116 nature parks, 53 imperial nature and wildlife preserve areas, alongside 91 nature monuments.

Climate

The climate of Mesogeia can be defined into two distinct categories, coastal and interior climates. The coastal regions of Mesogeia are characterized by a typically Periclean climate. Some mountainous areas feature an alpine like climate contrasting with the prevailing Periclean climate of the southern part of country.

A continental climate distinct from the Periclean climate of the coast prevails in the country's interior, particularly around the Aerionese plateau, and the Mesogeian Highlands, as a result of mountain formations around the coast. The climate of Mesogeia varies from region to region the more north you go, but typically most regions of the empire north of the Mesogeian highlands have a particularly temperate climate.

Winters can vary across the country, but they are generally mild to cold and wet, with snowfall in the north and along the highest mountain ranges and plateaus. Summers can be hot and dry with frequent thunderstorms throughout the country. The highlands are generally cooler in the summer as a result of their high elevation. May is generally the wettest month of the year while July and August are the driest on average. The spring and Autumn months in the country are more mild.

• Landscapes of Mesogeia
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  The snow capped Mount Ahura, tallest mountain in the country

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  Shoreline of Lake Euphratia. Euphratia is the second largest lake in the country at x km2.

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  The southern Mesogeian Highlands are the some of the most well known landscapes of the Mesogeian state.

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  Aranz River flows through the country's interior

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  Fairy chimneys in Korama National Park in Katapatuka satrapy.

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  Olive groves in the Isauris satrapy a region notable for its extensive farmland.

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  Forests in northern Mesogeia, Voreiastan satrapy.

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  the Mesogeian riviera (in Phocaea) along the southern coastline is the site of various beach resorts for the aristocracy.

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  The Dushwar mountain range also commonly called the Tauric mountains forms the western limit of the Aerionese plateau.

Politics and government

The Empire of Mesogeia is classified as a federal, semi-parliamentary, liberal autocracy. Whereas the monarch is considered to be an absolute monarch with ultimate powers in theory, this autocratic power is checked by the historic institutions and traditions, some of which are to be found in the un-codified constitution known collectively as the Constitution of Mesogeia.

While being a federal state the central government is based in the capital city Alexandropolis which holds supreme power in the land. Elena II is the reigning Empress and head of state, while Giannis Theodorou is the head of government as Imperial Mesazon. The government of Mesogeia is divided into three branches, the executive, the legislative, and the judicial.

Monarch

Since the days of the ancient Azagartian emperors, the monarchs of Mesogeia have claimed absolute power by virtue of their assumption of the sacred khvarenah, that is a hereditary dynastic charisma or glory that is said to divinely empower the monarchs of Mesogeia. As a result of the divine khvarenah the Mesogeian sovereign is the supreme benefactor, first friend, caretaker and saviour of the Mesogeian people having divinely ordained spiritual and temporal power.

Despite possessing strong democratic traditions and principles, a partially elected parliament, and being self-described as a federal empire, with a semi-autocratic monarch in name and tradition, the country has been particularly criticised for the confusing nature of its governmental system which has been depicted as authoritarian and despotic, due in part to the government's insistence of utmost respect and deference to the monarch above all. Mesogeian historians first coined the term "Republican Absolute monarchy in the 19th century to refer to the perceived union of autocratic and democratic ideals in the Mesogeian government. While foreign historians and critics have labeled it a benevolent autocracy at best or a fragile balance resting on the whims of a "good monarch" checked only by the threat of mass insurrection.

With one such critic claiming the nation as being on the verge of political turmoil, claiming that it was only a matter of time before the nation's various conflicting political forces turn on each other. While others have called into question the lack of major political upheaval in the last fifty years or so, citing the historic precedents of rebellions, revolts, and palace coups as an example of the country's perceived penchant for violent revolts. While others have incorrectly claimed that the Mesogeian tradition of Khvarenah (the hereditary dynastic imperial glory that divinely ordains successive monarchs) opens the door for violent rebellion.

Executive branch

Over the course of over two thousand years what has become the executive branch of the Mesogeian government has evolved into a behemoth beaucratic machine capable of successfully managing the empire. By tradition the emperor as head of state functions as supreme executive authority with the assistance of a overseeing chief intermediary, two chief ministers, a cabinet of ministers, an advisory council of state, an elaborate civil service, and various governmental deparmetments, agencies, and bureaus.

Functioning as the Empress' intermediary between herself and the government is the Mesazon (literally meaning intermediary), who is technically head of goverment for Mesogeia. Historically the office of Mesazon is traditionally held by a close relation of the extended imperial family, a member of the highest aristocracy or highly favored persons.

Mesogeia possesses two first ministers for the southern and northern regions of the empire; respectively they are the Megas Grammateus and the Grand Vizier (Vazīr-e azam) or Etemad-e Dowlat as the office is sometimes called. Before the establishment of lower chambers in the Synedreion and Magistan and the supremacy of the Mesazon in Mesogeia's government the Chief Grammateus and the senior vizier had no association with the largely advisory bodies. Presently since at least the 19th century the Megas Grammateus is generally the leader of the party or coalition commanding a majority of the Commonwealth Assembly; whereras the Grand Vizier now generally is selected from the leader of the Magistan's lower house of Deputies.

There are fifteen ministries that meet collectively in the Mesogeian cabinet; they are the Ministry for the Imperial Chancellery, the Ministry for the Imperial Courts, the Ministry for the Imperial Treasuries, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry for War, the Ministry for Justice, the Ministry for the Post & Telecommunications, the Ministry for Housing & Civic Affairs, the Ministry for Trade, Commerce & Industry, the Ministry for Welfare & Social Affairs, the Ministry for Education, the Ministry for Religious Affairs, the Ministry for Agriculture & Rural Affairs, the Ministry for Public Works, and the Ministry for Cultural Heritage

Aside from the Cabinet the executive branch includes the Imperial Council of State, which acts as an advisory body consulting the emperor on important matters. The council of State is the collective assembly of various advisory bodies such as the Sacred Synaxis, the Council of the Janqi, the Council of the Shahriyar, the Council of Wispuhran, the Council of the Wuzurgan, and the Council of the Hetairoi.

Legislative branch

Legislative power in the Mesogeian empire is vested in the Empress and the venerable "Peliganes" bodies acting in unison. With the venerable bodies referring to the Synedrion of the southern regions and the Magistan of the the northern regions, each of which are bicameral bodies with the former being composed of the Gerousia and the Commonwealth Assembly; while the latter is composed of a House of Nobles and a House of Deputies.

The Gerousia is composed of appointed and hereditary nobles from the southern regions, the upper Chamber of the Magistan consists of nobles from the northern regions; meanwhile the Commonwealth Assembly and the House of Deputies are composed of democratically elected members from the southern and northern regions respectively.

The Synedrion meets in the Koinoneion Palace, one of the oldest imperial palaces in the country, located in Alexandropolis while the Magistan traditionally meets in either Chrysopolis, Chousa, Farsagadae or Aspadana within the imperial palaces located in those respective cities.

Historically speaking the "venerable bodies" functioned as advisory assemblies to the monarchs with the Synedreion and Magistan being laregly composed of nobles, high-ranking personages and clergy before eventually being democratized resulting in the introduction of lower bodies; although it should be noted that in the southern regions there had existed for some centuries informal Assemblies composed of representatives of the Alcaenian city states with the ability to address greivances to the emperor.

The country two major political parties are the People's Party and the National Democratic Party, both parties having their origins in the empire's ancient chariot racing teams, the blue (Vénetoi) faction and the green (Prasinoi) faction respectively.

Law and Justice

By virtue of divine imperial glory the Mesogeian sovereign as divinely ordained saviour of the people is the ultimate source of law and justice within the empire with all flowing from the sovereign. Functioning as the head of the judicial system acting on behalf of the monarch is the Divanbegi whose authority over the interpretatin of the law extends over both the north and south.

The Mesogeian law has its basis in civil law and traditional experience, which is not unlike the common law found throughout the rest of Belisaria.

Military

The Mesogeian armed forces numbers some 379,300 active personnel along with 500,000 in the reserve forces. The armed forces of Mesogeia consists of four branches: the Imperial Army, Imperial Navy, Imperial Air Force, and the Imperial Guards.

Administrative divisions

The Empire of Mesogeia is divided into twenty-five Satrapies. The twenty-five satrapies or are Farsia, Aparnia, Mardia, Aturpatakan, Palydia, Ardistan, Katapatuka, Epeirosia, Hesperia, Paralia, Isauris, Khvarvaran, Troiana, Kykladeia, Pharosia, Phocaea, Marzbania, Alcaeia, Mygdonia, Oreineia, Transgozania, Traxiana, Taurica, Cimmeria, and Voreiastan,

The Satrapies are further divided into about 200 eparchia (called Ostans in the north), which are further subdivided into 3,100 hyparchia or shahrestān (in the north), The hyparchia/shahrestān are subdivided into over 10,000 districts called Archontate/Bakhsh for electoral purposes. While the districts can be further divided into municipalities, cities, towns (variously called Katoikoia, shahr, and poleis) and rural districts or villages (known as komai, chorio, agridion, and dehestan).

Economy

Mesogeia has a mixed economy. In the modern age it is a highly developed country with a high standard of living. The Mesogeian economy comprises the raw materials & agricultural sector, (17.1%.), the manufacturing sector (40.1%), and the service sector (42.8%).

Mesogeia is well known for its shipping/shipbuilding, design, fashion, and agricultural industries. The shipping and marine related industry is a major player in the country's economy, accounting for a substantial percentage of the country's GDP. The agricultural sector of the country is surprisingly large for a developed country. Tourism also plays an important role in the country's economy with around 50 million annual tourists each year.

Agriculture

The agricultural and raw meterials related sector accounts for 17.1% of the Mesogeian economy; it is however a powerhouse nevertheless with the country being a major producer of several agricultural products including wheat, legumes, wine, olive oil, olives, cherries, tobacco, tea, lemons, pears, apricots, honey, strawberries, onions, figs, dates, grapes. Mesogeia produces a substantial amount of meat (poultry & beef) and dairy products to be a major exporter on the world stage.

A traditional regional sea-power, Mesogeia has a large fishing industry, and the nation is known for being one of the highest consumers of fish products in the world. Mesogeia has one of the world's largest fishing fleets, and the fish caught by Mesogeian fisherman accounts for a substantial portion of the world's fish.

Energy

Mesogeia has a substantial amount of natural gas and oil reserves, but the country does not produce enough to be self sufficient. As a result Mesogeia imports oil and gas from foreign countries due to being unable to access the untapped natural gas reserves.

The country is mineral rich with such mineral resources including copper, iron, gold, silver, and coal.

Since at least the mid 1980s, the Mesogeian government has looked for alternative energies to natural gas; as a result the country has invested heavily in nuclear power as well as renewable energies such as solar power, wind power, and hydroelectric power. Despite this the country is still reliant on non-renewable energy (accounting for 77%), with only a small portion of the country's energy consumption comes from renewable energy (around 16.4%)

Shipping industry

Mesogeia has a large and competitive shipping industry that plays major role in the country's economy. The ancient Mesogeians were a seafaring people and the empire of Mesogeia is considered to be a regional maritime power specifically in the Colchian sea; it should be noted that for centuries shipping has played an important role in the empire's economy. In the present age shipping remains an important part of the nation's economy, accounting for around 5% of the nation's GDP.

Over the course of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries several businessmen have amassed fortunes in the shipping and shipbuilding industries, earning the nickname the millionaire industry

Tourism

Tourism is an important sector in Mesogeia's economy. Mesogeia is one of the most visited countries in the world, with 30-50 million annual tourists as of 2020. Mesogeia is home to fifty plus world heritage sites, and has several notable cities of cultural interest, including Alexandropolis, Parisia, Chrysopolis, Pharopoli, Anaitis, and Farsargadae.

The country's many beaches, seaside resorts, and rural picturesque villages are popular tourists destinations known for their tranquility and natural beauty.

Mesogeia's most visited landmarks include, in no particular order: Acropolis of Alexandropolis, Koinoneion Palace, Imperial Hippodrome, The Celestial City, Imperial Museums of the Hormisdaion, Hagia Triada Cathedral,Baths of Alcides, Cathedral of Hagia Aima, Imperial Necropolis of Farsargadae, Acropolis of Parisia, Fortress of Pella, Mausoleum of Aegai, Bithynian Valley Castles, the Four Great Fire temples, Apostolic church monasteries and so on.

Demographics

Languages

The Mesogeian empire has a number of regional languages spoken throughout its territories, but Alcaenian and Aerionese function as national languages with more or less co equal status.

Ethnic groups

The empire of Mesogeia has long since been termed a multinational state with various ethnic groups residing in its borders since time innumerable. A foreign traveler to the empire at the turn of the 20th century remarked that the empire was the most ethnically heterogenous state in Belisaria, While critics of the empire have labled it a prison of the peoples, a metaphor for the various ethnic groups subjected to Helianic-Aerionese rule.

For centuries the dominant ethnic groups have been Aerionese (Farsians-Aparnians) and Alcaeic (Troianians and Alcaenians), with Palydians and later Tauric groups coming in a close third. With each group serving a traditional role in medieval Mesogiean society, with the Heliac-speaking Troianians and Alcaenians serving as a military elite, the Farsians and Aparnians filling the administration and civil service as a bureaucratic elite; and the third group the Palydians and Tauric peoples acting as mediators between the two groups and often filling roles in the imperial court, ranging from eunuchs, concubines, and pages in the Imperial Gynaikeion, guards in the imperial guards, and officials within the imperial court.

In the present day Farsians make up the largest ethnic group, followed by Palydians, Troianians, Alcaenians, Pharosians, Aparnians, Isaurians, Ardistanians, Ludics, Tauric and Oreineians, Khvars, Gresiy and other ethnicities.

Religion

Religion in Mesogeia

  Mesogeian Christian (60%)

  Olympianism (25%)

  Aethelism (10%)

  Mesogeian Fabrianism (3%)

  Other religions & Non religious (2%)

There are several distinct religions in the Mesogeian Empire including Mesogeian Apostolic Church, Aethelism, and Fabrianism, and Mesogeian Polytheism. The largest religious denomination in Mesogeia is Christianity with the Mesogeian Apostolic Church forming the vast majority of Christians in the country. The Mesogeian Apostolic Church functions as the state church of the empire, having several privileges not afforded to other religions.

Eductation

State education in Mesogeia is free and compulsory from ages six to sixteen. Education in the country is overseen by the Imperial Ministry of Education and is divided into four stages: Nursery School (ages 4-6), primary school (ages 6-13), lower secondary (ages 13-15), upper secondary (15-18), and University. Mesogeia has a long history of education and it should be noted that the education of the nation's youth is valued highly in Mesogeian society.

Tertiary education in Mesogeia is divided between public universities, private universities and prestigious and very exclusive graduate schools and academies. There are a number of centers of higher learning in the country, including Mouseion University (which is the oldest having origins in antiquity), Pharopoli University (4th century BC), Antiochia University (4th century BC), Alexandropolis University (5th century AD), Gondishapur University (6th century), Chrysopolis University (8th century), Chousa University (10th century), University of Parisia (1130), Anaitis University (1436).

Mesogeia has a number of boarding schools, the most prestigious of which are Megaula College, Mieza College, Derkos College, and Edessa College.

Culture

The culture of Mesogeia has flourished for five thousand years of history. Mesogeia has developed a uniquely diverse culture, shaped by the cultures, customs, and traditions of various regional kingdoms and states that flourished in the area known as Mesogeia for centuries. The foundations for Mesogeian theology, mythology, philosophy, and literature all originated in the Avestic Period (c. 3100-800 BC) and the later Classical Period (c. 800 BC-547 AD). Mesogeia is notable for its cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity.

Arts

Main article: Mesogeian art

Mesogeia has a rich artistic history, comprising many elements, including architecture, calligraphy ceramic art, pottery, icon painting, metalworking, mosaic art, painting, sculpture, stonemasonry, textile art, and weaving.

The tradition of painting within the Mesogeian empire comprises various disciplines including icon painting, landscape painting, panel and wall painting, profile portraiture, and the figurative images to be found in the traditional Mesogeian miniatures

In comparison the tradition of mosaic art originally consisted of the use of rounded white pebbles on black, or blue pebbles to form a image outline, with the later introduction of the tesserae in the 4th and 3rd century BC of purposely cut stones, glass, and baked clay; likely with Latin influence.

Within Mesogeian society the art of writing and associated book arts has evolved into a unqiue art form within the country which initially emerged as component of Mesogeian miniature arts. Overall the art of writing and book arts comprises traditional miniatures, bookbinding, calligraphy, paper marbling, illuminated and illustrated manuscripts.

Traditionally most examples of Mesogeian miniatures can be found in albums (called muraqqas) which were typically comissioned by either an imperial, royal, or wealthy patron. The most common colors used in the typical Mesogeian miniature were red/crimson, green, yellow and various shades of blue.

Architecture

Mesogeian architecture is the combined elements and characteristics of various cultures, states, and peoples preceding the modern Mesogeian Empire. Modern architecture of Mesogeia combines Aerionese, Palydian, Troianian, Alcaeian, and Tauric influences to create an architectural style that is unique to Mesogeia. Overall the traditional architecture of Mesogeia can be characterized by its delicate elegance, and unique refinement to detail

The history of architecture in Mesogeia goes back several millennia; and over the course of several centuries Mesogeian architecture has developed unique architectural designs that are both structurally and aesthetically pleasing.

Because Mesogeia is such a diverse country architectural styles vary from region to region in the empire, it should be known that the architectural styles predominate in northern Mesogeia can not be applied to southern Mesogeia.

Common architectural elements to be found in traditional Mesogeian architecture include high arches,columned porches (talar), barrel-vaulted halls, colorful oinion domes, paradise gardens, Troianian and Alcaenian style columns, stonework imagery, geometric motifs, and floral diesigns.

While unique architectural building types of the north and east comprise the caravanserai, bimaristan, tower tombs; while for the south and south west these building types include the open-air theaters, odeon, bouleuterion, prytaneion, ekklesiasterion, stoa, heroa, neorion; with palaces, wrestling schools and athletic facilities (gymnasia, palaestra, zurkhaneh), libraries, schools bathhouses, hippodromes, fortifications, castles, open-air marketplaces (agora, bazzaer religious structures (cathedrals, temples, monasteries, and shrines) unique to both.

Weaving

The weaving of carpets and tapestries is an essential aspect of Mesogeian art culture notable for the design variety, elaboratness and durability of pieces. Carpet and tapestry weaving can be classified as court, town, village, and nomadic production,

The variety of carpet and tapestry design is characteristic of the cultural diversity of the Mesogeian empire, with materials ranging from wool, cotton, and silk while the typcial mode of production includes both horizontal and vertical looms.

Natural dyes used for the coloring of carpets, tapestries and other weaving art forms include red, yellow, black, green, orange, blue, and brown arranged accordingly to their expensiveness.

Literature

Mesogeian literature can be divided into three main categories: ancient, medieval and modern; with the literature having its origins in the ancient texts of the Azagartians and the written

With a history spanning several centuries, Mesogeian literature has given the world numerous writers, poets, philosophers, and historians, such as (PLACEHOLDER), (PLACEHOLDER), (PLACEHOLDER). The ancient Mesogeians were also well known for their oral traditions, dramatic presentations of comedy and tragedy, pastorals, poetry, drama, epigrams, historiography, and philosophical treatises.

The ancient Alcaeic city states provided some of the earliest known literary works in Mesogeia proper as well as in the larger world.

Philosophy

Mesogeian philosophy can be classified by ancient, medieval and mordern philosopical thoughts with philosophy of the country having its origins in the ancient philosophical teachings that formed the ideals of the the Azagartian Book of the Avesta as well as in the schools of thought of the ancient Alcaeic city states of southern Mesogeia. Mesogeian philosophy has its origins in antiquity dating back to 12th century BC. As a result of unprecedented political and social changes, there exists in Mesogeia a wide range of Philosophical schools of thought, which uphold a variety of ideals rooted in the southern and northern regional differences, which include Farnahism, Basileism, Charismaticism, Illuminationism, Helianicentrism, Aerionicism, Alcaeicism, Ashuracism, Philoicism, Magaism, Aretenism, Atarism, Hermiticism, and Daevacism.

There were several noteworthy philosophers of the ancient period including (PLACEHOLDER), (PLACEHOLDER), and (PLACEHOLDER).

Medieval philosophy refers to the philosophical traditions that emerged from the 5th century AD to the emergence of early modern Mesogeia in the 15th century and beyond. Philosophy during the medieval period can be further categorized between southern and northern schools of thought with Farsian-Aparnian philosophers dominating in the north and Helianic philosophers holding influence in the south.

Philosophy after the 15th century refers to the modern age of Mesogeia, a period that differed greatly from the medieval age in various ways. The philosophy that followed took a moremodernist approach. Philosophers of the day believed that it was the destiny of Mesogeia to rule a expansive empire as they enshrined the philosophies of Helianicentrism and Aretenism.

Philosophy in Mesogeia experienced a rebirth at the end of the Middle Ages as a result of two conflicting forces, those that supported the westernization of Mesogeia and those that opposed it claiming that the empire's destiny lay in the east and that it was unique civilization straddling both east and west.

Theatre

Mesogeian theatre is a synthesis of the ancient civilizations of Mesogeia. The modern Mesogeian theatre has its roots in the southern hellenic city-states of antiquity. The Mesogeian theatrical tradition were influenced by the ancient Lihnidosi. The Imperial Opera House in Alexandropolis is one of the oldest venues for modern theatrical performances having opened in 1735.

Mythology

Mesogeian mythology corresponds to ancient Mesogeian folklore and the stories of mythical persons, creatures, and places. The ancient Mesogeians had a pantheon that included countless gods and goddesses, including: Hormisdas, Mithras, Serapis, Hordad, Artagnes, Tir, Atar, Mah, Armaiti, Anahita, Ashi, Astarta, Drvaspa, Bendis, Ameretat, and Enodia and so on.

The myths of ancient Mesogeia played an important role in the shaping of Mesogeian culture. Mesogeian mythology features gods, extraordinary beings, , battles between good and evil, the exploits of heroic heroes and heroines, as well as fantastical creatures.

Music and dance

Mesogeia has a long and varied musical history. Mesogeian music encompasses a wide variety of genres, including folk, classical, and pop music. The origins of traditional music in Mesogeia spans thousands of years, having origins in the 31st century BC and beyond.

In the 17th century during the reign of Perseus the Glorious the music of Mesogeia experianced a kind of golden age, with the emperor patronizing artists, musicians, playwrights, and composers at the imperial court.

Traditional Mesogeian musical instruments include string instruments such as the chang (angular harp), qanun, kithara, laouto psalterion, shahrud, oud, barbat, tar, dutar, setar, tanbur, and kamanche or Lyra/lyre; wind instruments such as the water orgam, aulos, sorna, zurna, karnay, kaval, ney; and percussion instruments such as tombak, kus, daf, toubeleki, and naqareh.

Modern Mesogeian pop music has its origins in the twentieith century during the latter half of twenty-four year reign of Emperor Perseus XXII, and since that time has evolved with the use of both native and foreign imported instruments.

Cinema

Cinema in Mesogeia originated in 1897 with foundation of Pankósmia Pictures in Pharopoli, the very first film producing company in the country. The first film ever produced in the country featured a clip of a procession in celebration Empress Theodora III's sapphire jubilee in May 1897.

From the early 20th century the Mesogeian film industry has largely been based in the city of Pharopoli, known for its warm climate.

The nation hosts the Pharaopoli Film Festival, the most important film festival in the Empire of Mesogeia. Noted Mesogeian film actors include: (INSERT NAME), (INSERT NAME), and (INSERT NAME).

Media

Mesogeian television is dominated by four major broadcasters, these are Mesogeian Broadcasting Coperation (MPE), Eastern Broadcasting System (ASE), Troianan Broadcasting Company (RET), and Pheonix Broadcasting Company.

The most Well-known newspapers in the country, include Kaghaz-i Akhbar, I Estía, Akhtar, Palydi, Kayhan, Mesogeia Gazette, I Kathimerini, To Apógevma, I Avgí, Kokkinos Journal, Alexandropolis Times, Eleftheros Typos, Ta Nea, Pharopoli Times, Troiana Post, Barq, Ettehad, and To Vima.

There are number of magazines with wide circulation, that include: Oikos Proasteion, Theodora's Stoa, Hormisdaion, I Chóra, Katoikía, Kompseménos, which are general interest lifestyle magazines; Fotiou Standard, Floros Businessweek, which are business magazines; Athlitismós, Esoterikós, O Anthropos, Poikilía, Polytelí, Sapounópera, Tileoptikó Periodikó, which focus on entertainment; Andriká Miniaía, Dynatoi, Gymnastírio, Mýonas, Ygieís Andres, I Akólastos, Synodeía, and Hetaira are primarily directed at men; Akropolis, Aurora, Gynaika, Nárkissos are aimed at women; while Andrikí Andreía, Erastes Eromenos, Eros Magazine, and Gymnoí Mys are directed at the gay community.

Fashion and design

Mesogeian fashion has a long history, that was heavily influenced by the Imperial court of the Mesogeian Emperors. Since the 17th century fashion has been an important componet of the empire's economy. The city of Alexandropolis is considered to be the fashion capital of Mesogeia.

Examples of major Mesogeian fashion houses includes Lemakis, Shirin, Shahrokh, Leventis, Karabaghi, Fotilas, Garshasp, Glezos, Andreas Georgiou, Chrysa, Behrakis, Cassander Doxiadis, and Cleo.

In addition there are notable jewelery and watch manufacturing firms such as Matraxia, Arsenis, Voronov & Avramidis, Koutsis, Coumantaros, Belevonis, Gavalas, and Makris & Skordis.

Nárkissos is one of the most prestigious fashion magazines in the world. Renowned fashion designers from Mesogeia include Garshasp, Andreas Georgiou, Cassander Doxiadis and so on.

Sports

Popular spectator sports in Mesogeia include football, horse (with or without chariots) racing, tennis, rugby, basketball, boxing, wrestling, volleyball, and so on. The most popular sport is of course football (or soccer), which is followed by millions across the empire. The second most popular sport is rugby which rivals Football in its popularity. Basketball is growing in popularity and is popular among the nation's youth and urban areas, while wrestling is particularly popular in the rural areas in local villages. Horse/chariot racing is one of the oldest sports still played in Mesogeia; once it was the most popular sport of the empire, it has lost some of its popularity; it maintains a national following today

A game of Chovgan taking place in the courtyard of the Imperial Palace at Chrysopolis.

While Football, rugby, and horse/chariot racing are popular throughout the empire and enjoyed by the massses there are a certain number of sports that are popular particularly amongst the nobility and the upper class, this includes jousting, Mesogeian polo (known as Chovgan or Tzykanion), hunting, tennis, and golf. During the middle ages, Mesogeian emperors would often construct elaborate stadiums called Tzykanisterion in order to play Chovgan (called Tzykanion in the hellenized parts of the empire), with some emperor's being as young as seven when they first learned to play the game. Chovgan has remained immensly popular amongst the nobility into the present day, to the point that it as long since been associated with wealth and power. In the mid 20th century, famed Mesogeian based fashion house Leventis developed a particular shirt originally for players of Chovgan, calling it the Chovgan shirt.

Hunting is practiced mainly by the nobility as a result of several restrictions being placed on the common people; most notably their prohibition from owning firearms without special permits.

A significant portion of the Mesogeian landscape is mountainous, making the country an excellent venue for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing and mountain climbing. Water sports such as sailing, rowing, and swimming are popular in Mesogeia as well.

Cuisine

Mesogeian cuisine has developed over several centuries with roots going as far back as the 10th century BC. Modern Mesogeian cuisine, renowned throughout the world has been influenced by the cuisines of ancient civilizations such as the Palydians, the Azagartians, the Mesopontians, etc. A Periclean diet forms of the basis of Mesogeian cuisine; a diet that consists of a high consumption of olive oil, legumes, cereals such as pasta, fruits, and vegetables, a moderate consumption of dairy and fish products, and a low consumption of non-fish meat products

Cuisine in Mesogeia is noted for its regional diversity and can be categorized into three groups, southern, central, and northern; with varying differences. For instance butter is used for cooking in the north while olive oil being used in the south and central regions. In addition certain regions and provinces are known for traditional specialities.

Public holidays and festivals

The Public holidays and festivals celebrated in Mesogeia include a mix of both religious, national and local observances.

Date	Event	Remarks
20/21 March	Nowruz	Marking the spring equinox, it corresponds with the start of the new year in the traditional Mesogeian calendar. During this time, the constituent Kings of the empire present the sovereign with gifts, in a time old tradition going back centuries. Traditionally, the legendary Baba Nowruz brings gifts for the people, much like Santa Claus in the west
varies	Pascha	The feast of Pashca or easter is most important religious observance in the empire, marking the resurrection of the Messiah; On a movable date, it typically falls on April or May. It marks the end of the 40 day fasting period known as Great Lent (Late Feb/March/April), and is commerated by a return of meat dishes, which are served alongside sweets and delicacies typically sworn off during the fasting period
4-15 September	Akropolite Festival	An annual 12-day festival in which games, athletic contests, horse racing and bullfighting are held throughout the hippodromes and public arenas in southern cities throughout the empire, most notably in the capital
1-2 October	Mehregan	A holiday marking the harvest season in Mesogeia, it is notable for being the time when people renew their bonds of friendship, affection, and love to their family, friends, and subordinates. The holiday is marked by imperial audiences, gift giving by patrons to surbordinates and charitable donations. Taxes were historically collected around this time.
16-22 October	Basileia Festival	A 7-day festival and holiday marking the official birthday of the sovereign. The fetivities are commerated with horse racing, bullfighting, galas, athletic and artistic contests and is celebrated with the utmost splendor and pomp throughout the empire.
21 December	Yalda	The longest night of the year where family and friends gather together to eat and drink and make merry to ward off the forces of evil.
1 January	St Basil's Day	The 7th day preceding Mesogeian Christmas season is commorated as the date for when people receive gifts from St. Basil.
7 January	Cristougenna	The day preceding the 12 days of Christmas season, is marked by thanksgiving and feasting at home among family and friends, in addition to church masses
19 January	Theophania	The feast of Theophany marks the baptism of the Messiah with the holy waters. It is celebrated with much pomp at the imperial court.
30 January	Sadeh	Mid-winter Festival of fire, commorated by great bonfires traditionally used to ward off the forces of evil and the darkness. The great fire temples of the empire are ritually rekindled during this period.
varies	Apokreas	The Mesogeian Carnival season takes places in the immediate three weeks preceding the Lentan fasting period (typically February and early March). The 3 weeks of festivites are celebrated with parades, masquerades, and street parties.
varies	Caharsanbe Suri	The Scarlet Wednesday is celebrated on the final wednesday of the Mesogeian calendar (early-mid March), during a period when the spirits of the dead are believed to roam freely amongst the living. The holiday is marked by fire leaping, fortune telling, and costumed children even receive candies and snacks from neighbors (known as spoon banging)

In addition to these, every sunday in the empire is considered to be a non-work day and is considered to be a holiday. Every city and town is dedicated to a particular saint and therefore have official name days which are locallay celebrated. In addition to this the sport of bullfighting is usually celebrated at various times of the year with local holidays requiring non-working.