Thraysia

Thraysian Empire Βασιλεία Ῥωμαίων
Flag Imperial Ensign
Motto: "May the Heavens be our guide"
Anthem: Απολυτίκιο του Τιμίου Σταυρού_(Thraysia) Η κλήση της Θράκιας
Capital and largest city	Konstantinopolis
Official languages	Koine Hellenic
Ethnic groups	Mysian Vardanan Gheiravin Ayrumi not!Serbian Tsensurii not!Circassian not!Abkhaz Other
Religion	Eastern Orthodox
Demonym(s)	Thraysian
Government	Absolute Monarchy
• Emperor	Alexios VII Gregoras
• Heir	Basil V Gregoras
Legislature	Imperial Council
Establishment
Population
• 2020 estimate	94,593,874
GDP (PPP)	estimate
• Per capita	$21,301
GDP (nominal)	2020 estimate
• Per capita	$18,756
Currency	Bezant (฿) (BZT)
Time zone	Thraysian Imperial Time
Date format	mm-dd-yyyy
Driving side	left
Calling code	+32

Thraysia, officially the Thraysian Empire, is a sovereign country located in the far east of Belisaria, sharing borders with Vardana and Uluujol. It has coasts among the Periclean and Ozeros Seas. With over 94 million subjects, it is one of the more populated nations in the world.

Thraysia is a unitary absolute monarchy. The current Emperor is Alexios VIII, who has reigned since 2001. The Emperor remains the primary figure in politics and is the final authority in all political decisions. In theory, the Emperor is acclaimed to have absolute power. In practice, the Thraysian Charter of Liberties, the concept of "antiemperors," and local autonomy provide some protections against tyranny.

The heartland of the Thraysian Empire traces its roots to Hellenic settlements among its coasts, its indigenous peoples, and Cilician invaders. Some of the region was unified under the ancient Empire until its collapse and fall to Latin rule. The Thraysian Empire officially formed as a client King organized a large-scale rebellion among its eastern provinces. It grew into an Empire that would briefly become the most powerful economic, cultural, and military force in eastern Belisaria and Scipia. Around the 10th Century, the rise of the Bayarids and Caliphates put a severe dent upon the power of the Thraysian Empire. Eventually, it fell to the Tuluran Caliphate in 1468.

The Thraysian Empire revived during the reconquest era in the 17th century. As it seemed to have fallen somewhat behind its western neighbors, David II began enacting reforms to forcibly westernize Thraysia in hopes of its modernization. It replaced many of its social structures, politics, and culture dating to the Middle Ages with ones that were based on western models and the Arthuristan Illumination. Westernization efforts applied much more to the upper class than the commoners. Original western ideals of popular sovereignty were distorted into oligarchism. The Imperial bureaucracy became corrupted and increasingly nepotic. As the wealth gap increased under the pseudo-industrialization era and caused social unrest, a violent uprising led by the Thraysian Nationalists overthrew the Thraysian government in 1879 with a new one under the reign of "populist Emperors." A cultural renaissance flourished and revived aspects of medieval Thraysian culture while forming an "anti-western" identity. Though the incompetence and constant war-mongering of later Nationalist Emperors lead to massive political turmoil in the early 20th Century.

Thraysia is known for being a fervently religious and extremely conservative society, fueled by a long-lived nostalgia for the medieval Thraysian Empire and its success. Its religious life is characterized by the Eastern Orthodox Church, which plays a large influence in politics. Culturally, the Empire is multi-ethnic, with separatist sentiments among its not!Slavic and not!Armenian peoples.

The modern day Empire is a developed market economy, though it remains somewhat behind the most developed nations of Belisaria. Its economy is driven by industries such as manufacturing, textiles, and mining of gold and other natural resources in its plentiful deposits down south. It plays a major role in regional affairs. It is a member of the Forum of nations and the Joint Space Agency

History

Main article: History of Thraysia

Geography

Thraysia is located on the subcontinent of Chersonia. It has coastlines among the Periclean and Ozeros Seas. The country's terrain consists of coastal plains leading to more mountainous terrain in its northernmost regions and northeastern edges of Chersonia.

Climate

Thraysia features a diverse climate. Among its coastal areas are temperate to warm climates. Its northeastern region of Chersonia carries colder climates and more frequent snowfall from higher elevations.

Politics

The Thraysian Empire is an absolute monarchy. It is autocratic and hierarchical in nature. The Emperor rules as a dictator through a complex bureaucracy, though he is assisted and influenced by the Imperial Council. No political parties or national elections are permitted, though elections exist on more local levels. Political factions have emerged in the absence of political parties.

The Thraysian government carries many religious aspects, with Christian values and ideals being the foundation and legitimization of the Empire's politics. The ideal of the Thraysian Empire is to provide an earthly copy of the Kingdom of Heaven, while it is to be ruled by God through the Emperor. The ideal of Thraysia is a universal empire that embraces all peoples of the Earth. All of whom should be members of the one true Orthodox Church.

The Emperor

The Thraysian Emperor is the sole and absolute ruler whose power is regarded as having divine origin. Legislative, executive, and judicial power is combined within the Emperor and he may finalize all political decisions. His official title is "Emperor of the Thraysians" but holds other titles such as "sole ruler of the world" and "peer of the apostles." He takes an active role in politics and leading the nation.

The Emperor resides in the Grand Palace of Konstantinopolis, located near the Hagia Vasiliki. Its surface area exceeds 24,000 square miles and stands on top of a mild hill. The palace is where court life takes place. The throne room of the Emperor carries various ornate details and splendors such as mechanical lions, golden objects, arrays of precious gems, and various mosaics. The throne itself can also be elevated through a simple switch. To the public, the palace is well known for the impressive ceremonies it holds for many prescribed occasions. Such includes the ceremonial rituals, parades, songs, and "dances" that are performed by various groups of high officials. Such traditions and customs have roots dating back several centuries and have been continuously expanded upon. State officials and diplomats from foreign nations are frequently impressed by these shows in their visits.

In practice, the Emperor's power has some de-facto limitations. The Thraysian Charter of Liberties grants its citizens certain rights and privileges. The concept of anti-Emperors states that Emperors without benevolence or rule by divine will are illegitimate and to be disposed of. Many unpopular Emperors in the past have been removed through assassinations and uprisings. Regardless, the Emperor maintains a strong grip on power.

Imperial Council

The Emperor's rule over the domains of the Empire is assisted by the Imperial Council, a legislative body made up of 300 seats. The Imperial Council has significant influence over the country's politics. Members of the Council may propose and vote on legislation, which pass or fail depending on the Emperor's decree. Half of the members of the Council are directly appointed by the Emperor, while the other half is elective. The proportions of elective seats are determined by a Constitution that may frequently undergo revision or changes.

Imperial Bureaucracy

The Emperor rules through a complex but extremely efficient system of bureaucracy, a notable feature of the Thraysian government. It traces its roots to late antiquity and has undergone constant revision and change. The Emperor may make constant appointments and dismissals of offices or restructure the bureaucracy according to his will.

Logothetes

Logothete is a title applied to a senior official in the Thraysian Empire, who commands their respective administrative department within the Imperial bureaucracy. Logothetes are said to be equivalent to what are known as "ministers" in foreign countries.

Current Logothetes

Sector	Logothete
Defense	Georgios Palaiologos
Finance	Constantinianus Staurakius
Economy	Latinius Attaliates
Law	Muntassir Salama
Education	Gregorius Rhangabe
Justice	Faik Yildizoglu
Foreign Affairs	Rahim Azad
Health	Clemens Gregoras
Development	Justin Palaiologas
Agriculture	Vitalianus Stratioticus
Culture	Calixtus Ypsilanti

Foreign Relations

Thraysia maintains relations with all nations of the world. Near its borders, relations between Uluujol and Latium remain cordial to positive. Positive relations with Uluujol are considered necessary for economic trade, though it is occasionally complicated by Thraysia's protectionist trade policies. It is currently in a mutual defense pact with Latium against Vardana though relations are sometimes complicated over Thraysia's distrust of the western-monarchy bloc.

There are hostile relations with other states in the Chersonian Peninsula such as Kocisupara, Tsensurii, and Vardanna, over border friction since Thraysia's government has frequently been criticized for acting as though the entire peninsula is its territory.

Military

Main article: Imperial Thraysian Forces

The Imperial Thraysian Forces are the armed forces of the Thraysian Empire. It is composed of three branches: the Imperial Army, Imperial Navy, and Imperial Air Force.

Economy

Thraysia's economy involves a great deal of central planning. Many industries are controlled through a guild system. Guilds manage their respective industries and provide representation for workers' rights, though they are also often used as a medium of enforcing Imperial economic control. All guilds have administrators sent from the Konstantinopolis to ensure imperial demands are met and that the Emperor retains control over the economy. The Emperor is considered to have absolute power over all economic activities in Thraysia, though this is not exercised too frequently. Smaller businesses are usually outside of the Imperial economic structure and operate with a fair degree of economic freedom.

Thraysia is considered to be a developing country, though development varies by region. The northernwestern coastal regions of Thraysia are more industrialized with first-world living standards in some cities, while development in central and southern Thraysia are not as well off.

While Thraysia was among the wealthiest civilizations throughout much of the Middle Ages, it significantly fell under Caliphate rule. By the age of industrialization, it became one of the poorest nations in Belisaria. Industrial development was based on the exploitation of resources and reliance on foreign imports. The turn of the 19th Century saw mild improvements in economic growth and living conditions. After a long period of turmoil in the 20th Century, Thraysia's economy began booming in the 1950s. Since then, the Thraysian economy grew at an immense rate relative to Belisaria and Scipia.

Energy

The Imperial Energy Company is the largest electricity generation company in Thraysia, which combined with its subsidies amounts for around 41% of Thraysia's energy prodcution. Around 34% of Thraysia's energy is produced through nuclear energy. Around 8% is produced through green energy sources. The other main sources include natural gas, coal, and oil. The government had made efforts to curtail carbon emissions. With large scale investments by the Thraysian government into nuclear energy, its reliance on nuclear is forecasted to grow. Though its abundance of coal and natural gas along with population growth has led to difficulties in transitioning.

Infrastructure

Thraysia contains one of the world's largest railroad systems. There is a total of 31,729km of tracks. 3,019km of high speed rails stretches across the nation, covering all of its major cities. Around 84% of Thraysia's railroads are publically owned, though mild amounts of privatization have occurred in recent years. The government is actively investing in expanding Thraysia's railroad system. Inside cities, vast trolley networks provide the main means of public transportation. Its roads have been somewhat neglected with the prioritization of rail transportation.

Demographics

Religion

Religion in the Thraysian Empire

  Eastern Orthodox (98.3%)

  Other Christian (0.9%)

  Other (0.8%)

The Thraysian Empire is characterized by Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Initially united as one church with the Fabrians, theological differences and political factors separated the east and west. Eastern Christianity has a pervasive influence on every aspect of Thraysian life. Church and state are intertwined, legitimizing Imperial rule and influencing Imperial authority and laws to be in line with Orthodox principles. It also provides a cultural identity to Thraysians. Beyond ethnicity and association with the Empire, Thraysians are self-considered as Orthodox or "right-thinking." Relative to other nationalities, Thraysians are extremely religious with the Church playing a large role in their lives.

Thraysia is home to the Ecumenical Patriarch in Konstantinopolis, the Ecumenical Patriarch of whom is first among equals in the entire Orthodox Church. It also contains the Patriarchate of Damarnia in its southern, Gheiravic regions.

A photo of Hagia Vasilika, the greatest Church in Thraysia

Thraysia's religion is a continuous inspiration to its culture, especially in arts and architecture. The Empire has continuously constructed large cathedrals for centuries. Among the most famous and oldest ones is Hagia Vasiliki. Built in 518 AD, Hagia Vasiliki is often associated as the symbol of Konstantinopolis.

Historically, the Hellenic-settled regions of Thraysia followed a form of Hellenic Paganism that blended in with the traditional myths of indigenous Chersonians. In the center of the subcontinent, Zoroastrianism from Kardish rule was prevalent. Judaism had a prescence among the southern areas of Chersonia. Upon its arrival, Christianity was quick to spread in Chersonia. The peninsula would become one of the world's first centers of Christianity. Eventually, the Latin Empire would convert to Christianity. Chersonia was home to many Church fathers and had greatly contributed to the development of eastern Christianity. Orthodox Christianity was continually supported by imperial authority in the independent Thraysian Empire. During the Reconquest Era in the 17th to 18th centuries, extensive efforts were made to re-Christianize the Thraysians after Caliphate rule. Pogroms were instituted against religious minorities such as Yen and Jewish people.

There has been a mild increase in irreligion during the early 2000s, though irreligious people are not extremely outspoken of their beliefs due to social pressure. A fair bit of irreligious or agnostic Thraysians identify as Eastern Orthodox because of cultural reasons.

Ethnic Groups

Ethnic Groups in Thraysia (Imperial Census of 2018)

Ethnicity	Population
Mysian	63,256,019
Vardanan	4,671,049
Gheiravin	11,847,817
Ayrumi	3,225,369
not!Serbian	8,810,532
Tsensurii	1,198,964
not!Circassian	1,017,438
Abkhaz	191,859
Other	374,827
Total	94,593,874

Thraysia is a diverse nation with many different ethnic groups in its borders. Mysians constitute the majority of Thraysian citizens at around 67% of the population according to the Census of 2018. They have been the most influential ethnic group in Thraysia. The largest minority group include the Gheiravins, whom are located in the deep south of Thraysia. not!Serbians are the next largest minority and are found almost exclusively in Belisarian Thraysia. Vardanans are found near Thraysia's border with Vardana.

Koine Hellenic is the official language of Thraysia and is used in administrative and ecclesiastical functions, though the most widely-spoken language is a "commoner dialect" of Koine Hellenic known as Mysian. Many other languages are regionally recognized languages. Almost all Thraysians can speak in Koine Hellenic or Mysian. In 1987, an Imperial decree had mandated Koine Hellenic to be taught in schools. The decree was later revised to include protections for minority languages over ethnic unrest.

Ethnic minorities have made up many prominent figures in Thraysian history, including its Emperors. Discrimination based on ethnic background has been strongly condemned by the government and many Thraysian institutions. Regardless, separatism and conflict still remains a common problem. It is especially most prevalent among its not!Serbian population. Ethnic conflict has frequently been ignited over disputes of sovereignty, where ethnic identitarians desired their local leaders to rule in their respective Thematas rather than Imperial officials mirroring the absolute will of the Emperor. As a remedy, ethnic minorities have been guaranteed representation in the Imperial Council. A certain quota of ethnic minorities are required for representation in some local governments.

Education

Education in Thraysia is controlled by the Ministry of Education, headed by an appointed Logothete whom exercises direct control over public education. It is divided into three primary levels: primary, secondary, and higher education. It is required from the ages of 6 to 16. The state pays for all costs of education from primary to secondary levels while free tuition is guaranteed in prominent public schools, all of which constitutes around 4.7% of the Thraysian GDP. Private schools are found among ethnic minority communities and imperial elites, though public schools constitute the vast majority of Thraysian students. Private Universities are quite rare in Thraysia.

Historically, Thraysia has had a long-standing tradition of education inherited from Hellenistic culture and Latin rule. One of the first institutions described as a university was founded in Konstantinopolis in 461, which is today known as the University of Konstantinopolis. Education flourished in the medieval era, relative to other civilizations. Primary schooling initiated students in literacy while secondary education deepened their knowledge in the arts and sciences. Higher education was only prevalent near large cities. Expansion of education was encouraged both by the Imperial state for educating officials to sustain the complex Imperial bureaucracy, and among the clergy for spreading knowledge in philosophical and religious matters. It was available to all social classes, though practical restrictions over costs of tuition created barriers. The Thraysian educational system began declining as the Empire began falling to outside forces in the 14th Century. As ruralization and depression ensued under Caliphate rule, Thraysian education went into severe decline and was often exclusive in Churches. The Gheiravic-speaking south, however, saw a resurgence in education in the Azdarin tradition that was later suppressed after independence.

Education in Thraysia was notably poor for the rest of Thraysia's history. Attempts were made to revive education by some Emperors, though it was usually unsuccessful and exclusive to training members for bureaucratic affairs. Under Baron rule, many Baron students would attain education in foreign Belisarian nations. It wasn't until the 1950s that Thraysia would begin to catch up with other nations.

In modern Thraysia, primary school is usually attended at the ages of 6 to 10. Lower Secondary School or Gymnasium is attended from the ages of 10 to 14. Upper Secondary School is attended from the ages of 14 to 18. By the time of completing secondary schooling, Thraysian students are educated in subjects such as Mysian, secondary language(s), mathematics, history, sciences, physical education, visual and music arts, and basic theology. College education is not mandatory and is mildly uncommon among Thraysians entering blue-collared work, though it has become increasingly more valued. The state has made large investments in the expansion and construction of Universities to accompany the increase of students attaining higher education.

Usually, higher education is the easiest path for Thraysian commoners to join the social class of Imperial elites. Initially an exclusive feat in Konstantinopolis, several other prominent Universities throughout the Empire have now offered such avenues. Thraysian commoners looking to join the Imperial class are required to achieve a certain level of academic performance, either in secondary school or during college. After meeting such standards, they are enrolled in competitive and rigorous programs which teach them the fundamentals of the Imperial Bureaucracy as well as the mannerisms and social norms among the Imperial upper class, preparing them for the luxurious but rigid and confining lifestyle. Oftentimes, it is accompanied by serving the Imperial Thraysian Forces. Thraysian commoners whom fail to enroll in such programs may work their way up from lower positions of the Imperial Bureaucracy available to commoners.

Culture

Architecture

Thraysian architecture is generally conservative in nature as "internationalist forms of architecture" are legally prohibited. Its contemporary architectural styles have been defined by arches, pillars arcades, thick tannish-colored walls made of bricks or clay, and columns. Larger buildings, especially Churches, have made extensive use of domes.

Art

Thraysian art is sometimes critiqued as stagnant. Despite being in an age of technology, classical art styles continue to remain commonplace in the Empire and co-exist with digital art and photography. Thraysia is well known for its mosaics, though frescos and paintings are used more frequently in smaller artworks. Much of its classical art styles relate with religious expression. Their styles reflect images representing the divine, absolute, and imaginative, rather than realistic depictions. As such, they tend to be abstract and two-dimensional. A golden background, a common depiction of heaven in Thraysian Christianity, is frequently used. Brilliant and vibrant color palettes are used over realistic expression. Bright stones, gold, and precious metals can be found in larger artworks.

The most common type of art in Thraysia is Iconography. Icons are held by Thraysian Orthodox Christians as sacred and having existed since the beginning of Christianity. They are considered to be windows into Heaven. It is quite rare to come across a Thraysian household without a corner of Icons.

Fashion

An upper-class Thraysian couple

Thraysians are well known for their exotic clothing that greatly differs from modern Belisarian attire. Upper class Thraysians and Imperial elites are known for their detailed and sophisticated dress. The men wear robes and dalmatica while women wear stola and long dresses. They are made of rich silks, jewels, and sometimes gold. Ornate patterns and designs cover their garments. The most expensive of dresses are worn by the Emperor and the highest-ranking Imperial officials. Of the upper class, men and women alike wear an extensive amount of jewelry.

Thraysian commoners wear much simpler clothing. Men's commoner clothing typically consists of foustanella skirts or tunics. In warmer times and climates, men sometimes wear baggy trousers known as vraka along with shirts known as poukamiso. Women's dresses include a poukamiso, sleeveless vest, apron, sash, and sometimes a scarf in colder climates. Jewelry is rare among commoners.

Western clothing has occasionally sprung up as temporary trends in some cities, though they are typically regarded as "barbarian attire" by more conservative Thraysians.

Cuisine

The Cuisine of Thraysia often varies by region. Contemporary Thraysian cuisine makes wide use of vegetables, grains, olive oil, fish, wine, meat, and olives. Other common ingredients include pasta, cheese, lemon juice, herbs, bread, and yogurt. Wheat and barley are the most common graints. Dessert ingredients mostly include fruits and occasionally pastries. Some influence comes from neighboring countries.

Southern Thraysian cuisine carries a more Scipian and oriental flavor than contemporary cuisine in the western provinces. A larger use of spices, curry, stews are found in such cuisine. Southern Thraysia is also famous for its variety of mezes, kebabs, and dough-based desserts such as balklava, sobiyet, kunefe, and kayadif.

Sports

The National Sport of the Thraysian Empire is football. The Empire champions its football team as among one of the best in the world. It is commonly watched by almost all subjects of the Empire. One may frequently find young Thraysians playing football in parks and in streets.

Other popular sports in Thraysia include golf, rugby, shooting, and running.

Cricket is banned in Thraysia over its assocation with historical oppressors.