Terehan

Republic of Terehan
Flag
Capital	Casaat
Government
• President	Amir al Abadi
Population
• 2020 estimate	32,647,000
Date format	mm-dd-yyyy

The Republic of Terehan, most commonly known as Terehan, is a nation located on the continent of Adula, bordered by Tiqal and Shariati to the south, with coasts on the Cantalle Ocean along the Avisca Sea and Catahle Sea. The capital and largest city is Casaat, and other major cities include the ports of Jataran, Catahle, Olharat, and the inland cities of Astaat and Pacitaan. The majority of the country's 32.6 million inhabitants are Muslims, and other recognized religions include Christianity, Yazidism, Mandaeism, and Yarsanism. During ancient times, lands that now constitute Terehan were known as Telaanha and were occupied by many kingdoms and empires, notably the Emmirians. Following the Barretoan Wars, Terehan became a democracy, though since the 1930s it has widely been considered authoritarian. Terehan waged a series of wars against its neighbors throughout history, including the Tiqal-Terehan War which lasted from 1978 to 1984 and killed upwards of 600,000 people. Its government has attracted widespread criticism for its significant constraints and abuses against human rights and civil liberties, including several violent suppressions of mass protests, unfair elections, and limited rights for women and for children. In 2018, Asaad al-Shaad became President and began pursuing nuclear program which many in the international community claimed was a pursuit for a nuclear weapon. Following the 2022 Beresa port bombing, WEDA invaded the country and helped rebel forces overthrow al-Shaad. A provisional government was instated, followed by a period of violent insurgencies, but elections in April 2023 resulted in Amir al Abadi becoming President and a new democratic system backed by the international community.

Geography

Terehan can be divided geographically into four main regions: the coastal plains in the west, the southern highlands, the central highlands, and jagged eastern coast. The Tihāmah ("hot lands" or "hot earth") form a very arid and flat coastal plain along Terehan's entire coastline. Despite the aridity, the presence of many lagoons makes this region very marshy and a suitable breeding ground for malaria mosquitos. Extensive crescent-shaped sand dunes are present. The evaporation in the Tihamah is so great that streams from the highlands never reach the sea, but they do contribute to extensive groundwater reserves. Today, these are heavily exploited for agricultural use. This area, now heavily terraced to meet the demand for food, receives the highest rainfall in the peninsula, rapidly increasing from 100 mm (3.9 in) per year to about 760 mm (29.9 in). Temperatures are warm in the day but fall dramatically at night. Perennial streams occur in the highlands, but these never reach the sea because of high evaporation in the Tihamah.

The central highlands are an extensive high plateau over 2,000 m (6,562 ft) in elevation. This area is drier than the western highlands because of rain-shadow influences, but still receives sufficient rain in wet years for extensive cropping. Water storage allows for irrigation and the growing of wheat and barley. The capital of Casaat is in this region. The highest point in Terehan is Mount An-Nabi at about 3,666 m (12,028 ft). The inland highlands receive almost no rain. The growing scarcity of water is a source of increasing international concern.

Politics and government

President Amir al Abadi (2023-present)

Terehan is a democratic unitary republic. The 2012-2022 constitution of Terehan, adopted in 2012, effectively transformed the country into a semi-presidential republic due to the constitutional right for the election of individuals who do not form part of the National Progressive Front. The President is Head of State and the Prime Minister is Head of Government. The legislature, the Peoples Council, is the body responsible for passing laws, approving government appropriations and debating policy. In the event of a vote of no confidence by a simple majority, the Prime Minister is required to tender the resignation of their government to the President. From 2018-2022, the President was Asaad al-Shaad, who was considered an authoritarian and ran a dictatorial style of government which suppressed freedom of speech and clamped down violently on opponents to his rule.

The constitution gives the president the right to appoint ministers, to declare war and state of emergency, to issue laws (which, except in the case of emergency, require ratification by the People's Council), to declare amnesty, to amend the constitution, and to appoint civil servants and military personnel. The president is elected by Terehanian citizens in a direct election, though international observers have stated there had not been a "free" election from 1956-2022, as all Presidents have been members of the National Progressive Front and their margins of electoral victory are often above 90%.

After the ouster of al-Shaad in November 2022, a provisional government overseen by WEDA was established until democratic elections were held in April 2023. The current president is Amir al Abadi, an activist and resistance fighter who was credited with galvanizing much of the national opposition to al-Shaad.

Provinces

Provinces of Terehan

Terehan is divided into eight provinces - Tjarin, Cahet, Casyta, Hallet, Citaan, Hatayr, Taayt, and Harat.

Human rights

The situation for human rights in Terehan has long been a significant concern among independent organizations and the Coalition of Crown Albatross, who in 2013 referred to the country's record as "among the worst in the world." The authorities are accused of arresting democracy and human rights activists, censoring websites, detaining bloggers, and imposing travel bans. Arbitrary detention, torture, and disappearances are widespread. Although Terehan's constitution guarantees gender equality, critics say that personal statutes laws and the penal code discriminate against women and girls. Moreover, it also grants leniency for so-called 'Honor killing'. As of 1 October 2022 during an attempted uprising against President Asaad al-Shaad, the CCA reported that more than 7000 people, mostly civilians, were massacred by government forces.

Culture

Sports

Most sports played in Terehan originated and were substantially developed by athletes and sports fans from Quetana during 16th century colonialism. Cricket is the national sport and most popular game in Terehan. The country has had an array of success in the sport over the years. Association football is the second-most played sports in Terehan, and is organised and regulated by the Terehan Football Federation. The highest football division in Terehan is the Terehan Premier League. There are also some traditional Terehanian games that are commonly played, with kabaddi being foremost among them.

Cuisine

Terehanian cuisine is similar to that of other regions of South Adula, with some of it being originated from the royal kitchens of 14th-century Emmirian emperors. Most of those dishes have their roots in Quetanan, Emmirian, and Southeast Adulan cuisine. Like most South Adulan cuisine, Terehanian cooking uses large quantities of spices, herbs, and seasoning. Garlic, ginger, turmeric, red chili, and garam masala are used in most dishes, and home cooking regularly includes curry, roti, a thin flatbread made from wheat, is a staple food, usually served with curry, meat, vegetables, and lentils. Rice is also common; it is served plain, fried with spices, and in sweet dishes.

Lassi is a traditional drink in Terehan. Black tea with milk and sugar is popular throughout Terehan and is consumed daily by most of the population.