Carigrad

Royal City of Carigrad Краљевски Град Цариград
City
The Imperial Palace The Imperial Palace
Flag Seal
Country	Nikolia
Duchy	Duchy of Moravia
Settled	404 BC
Government
Area
• City	1,524 km2 (588 sq mi)
Population  (2014)
• Urban	5,191,690
• Metro	9,542,112
Demonym	Carigradian
Area code	+645 6724
Website	www.carigrad.nk

Carigrad (Serbian: Цариград) is the capital city of Nikolia, as well as the administrative centre of the duchy of Moravska. It is the seat of the Nikolian throne and is one of the oldest cities in Astyria. It is located in western part of the Moravian duchy at the confluence of Dunav and (placeholderriver) with 5,191,690 (2014 census) inhabitans.

History

Foundation

Drawing of Carigrad in 15th century

During the growth of medieval Nikolian Kingdom in 6th century AD towards east, the frontier eventually reached the place where Carigrad today lies. Thanks to its position on the confluence of Vizelj river in Dunaj river, and a hill overlooking the large plain towards the east, it was a perfect spot for a frontier fortress. In 520 AD King Uroš I orders the construction of the fort on top of the hill above the confluence of two rivers. The fort was called Ušće, after a Serbian word for confluence. The expanding of the Nikolian Kingdom proceeded, and quickly later the fort lost its purpose as the border moved further east. The fort was used for further 10 years as a garrison for units, but it was later abandoned as additional forts were constructed closer to the border. A group of villages and merchant communities were established around the fort, and they served as a stop for merchant ships between the cities further east and the capital west.

Medieval period

In 955 AD the Holy Emperor Stefan I (Then King Stefan II) upon returning from the Battle of the Three Kings refounded and expanded the fort by building a castle and moving the throne to this new city. He was later coronated as Emperor of the Nikolian lands, and the city was renamed Carigrad. According to the legend, Stefan I had an encounter with Angel Gabriel who said that it is God's will to give him the imperial title and a city of unprecedented beauty on the confluence of the two mighty rivers. He also advised him to move the capital to that city, which he did. During the 10th and 11th century Carigrad saw many construction projects: Imperial Palace of Carigrad, Imperial University of Carigrad and St. Nicholas monastery were constructed, as well as many houses and palaces around Dvorsko brdo.

Culture

Carigrad is, culturally one of the richest cities in Nikolia. The city hosts 157 museums, ranging from entire palaces, most famous art galleries to small apartment museums dedicated to most famous Nikolian writers. The National Organization for Preservance of Historic Monuments (DOZIS) preserved and placed nearly 2,000 buildings under the protection of state, for their cultural and historical significance to Nikolia. The historic centre of Carigrad, together with several other historic parts of the city, such as Dvorsko brdo, as of 1991 are placed in ARCHO (Astyrian Regional Culture & Heritage Organisation) heritage list under the name Historic Centre of Carigrad and Surroundings.

Education

Carigrad has four state universities and several private owned institutions of higher education. The Imperial University of Carigrad, founded in 1242 as the "Great Royal School" is the oldest institution of higher learning in Nikolia. Having most of the university buildings built in 18th and 19th century, the University buildings are a constituent part of Carigrad's architecture and cultural heritage. With having more than 200,000 students enrolled, the University is one of the largest in Astyria.