Akalifri

An Akalifri (Plural: Ikalifrin) is a type of subterranean dwelling or earth shelter common in the Ninva desert, particularly in western and northern Charnea. These types of structures are usually residential but may also be used as storerooms, workspaces or for social functions. Ikalifrin are distinguished from earth-bermed houses which are built above ground and subsequently covered in earth, as they are by definition dug into the ground itself. This can be done by setting the structure into a cliff or hillside (above-grade), or more often by excavating a large pit into the ground which serves as an atrium or courtyard into which are set numerous artificial caves to serve as dwellings or rooms which are below the natural level of the surface (below-grade). Below-grade Ikalifrin can be connected by open trenches or tunnels which connect their central atriums to create a larger network which can sometimes encompass an entire village or settlement. An Akalifri usually has one exposed wall facing the outside, which allows access through doorways and the entrance of natural light through windows.

Ikalifrin are set under and within earth which serves as a form of insulation, making it easier to maintain a stable temperature and thus offering shelter from high daytime temperatures and often very cold nighttime temperatures in the Ninva desert, making them a popular alternative to conventional above ground housing. Furthermore the common downside to cave-dwelling or underground habitation which is the risk of flooding is a virtually non-existent threat in arid Charnea. This type of residential structure is ancient and endemic to the region, with known examples as far back as 1500 BCE in what is now western Charnea. However, it did not become widespread until the mid 1950s during the electrification of rural Charnea which made living underground more amenable and comfortable because of electric stoves and lighting. Due to the difficult of excavating the structures into the earth, the rooms are typically small and separate dwellings may only have between one and three rooms. On occasion, a courtyard with its many diverging chambers will act as a single multi-family home, with shared kitchen and social spaces and individual sleeping rooms for each family. Bathrooms and sanitary facilities are typically external or located in a dedicated, often shared, space. In the modern day, a large number and some areas even a majority of structures in rural northern and western Charnea are Ikalifrin. Such communities are often far larger than they appear from the outside due to the extensive structures underground out of sight, and they are sometimes called "gerbil towns" by outsiders.

Gallery

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  Ikalifrin courtyard in Ekelhoc, Charnea.

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  Akalifri in Atram.

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  Kitchen in an Ekelhoc Akalifri.

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  Living room in an Akalifri.

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  Subterranean bedroom in Ekelhoc.

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  Outer Ekelhoc with Ikalifrin set within a dugout courtyard in foreground.

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  Typical courtyard area.

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  Dining area in a "Gerbil town".

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  Akalifri in the Adjer mountains, Charnea.