Jezeraah

al-Jumhuriyah al-Jezeraah The Republic of Jezeraah (Jezeraah)
Flag Coat of Arms
Motto:
Anthem:
Map versions	-
Capital	Jezeraah
Largest city	Jezeraah
Official language(s)	Haifan
Official religion(s)	Temple of Keiphah
Demonym	Jezerans
- Adjective	Jezeri
Government	Republic
- President	Imil Shukri
- Prime Minister	Raouf Habibi
- Legislature	Parliament
Establishment	2012
Area	–
Population	1,647,296
Currency	Dinar
Calendar
Time zone(s)	CMT+7
Mains electricity
Driving side
Track gauge
National website	–
National forum
National animal	Goat
National food	Kibbeh
National drink	Na'ana (mint) Tea
National tree	Morovian Cedar
Abbreviation	ROJ

The Republic of Jezeraah (also known as ROJ) is an island country located at the confluence of the Maccabi River and Lake Morovia.

The main ethnic groups in the Republic are the Jezeri and the Israati.

The capital is Jezeraah City.

Etymology

Jezeraah means "island" in the local dialect, which is derived from a combination of Israati and Babki (essentially a stylized Arabic).

History

Originally established with other communities by settlers that formed the early Free State of Haifa, the island was populated by Babki immigrants fleeing Eura. A large number of immigrants also arrived from Afrikaana, helping to further bolster the population. The island came into conflict with Israati hardliners influenced by Pallisican and Bassarid imperialists. The left-leaning island government favored a more democratic government in Haifa, while hardliners pushed for a more nationalist government. After rigged victories by the hardliners many Jezerans fled north to Elijah's Rest in Natopia, only to return after the collapse of Caputia offered a renewed chance at a free Jezeraah. Currently the country is embroiled in the Haifan Civil War and is fighting the Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union, which also claims the island.

Haifan Civil War

Jezeraah entered the Haifan Civil War as an ally of the Greater Morovian Independence Initiative. The Jezeran populace staunchly supports the formation of a democratic commonwealth of Haifan states in the vacuum left behind by the collapse of Caputia. Successfully using guerrilla tactics to expel the pro-Bassarid forces from Jezeraah (island) and Lazawi, the Jezeri military then began a blockade of Lake Morovia and the Straits of Haifa in an effort to limit retaliatory strikes against the islands by the Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union. Since then the military has extended itself south around the Maccabi Dam, moving inland south of Abeis. The state claims the former territories of independent Haifa and as such views the occupation of Abeis, Minab-Azis and Keybir-Aviv as being held by enemy hostiles and an objective of liberation.

The Jezeran Liberation Organization is an independent organization, sanctioned by but functioning separately from the Jezeran government, that acts as a guerrilla army within territories held by the Imperial Trade Union. The JLO has limited its attacks to military and government personnel only, specifically avoiding putting civilians in harms way. Since many ethnic Israati and Jezeri live under control of the Imperial Trade Union, the JLO is seen by many as liberators. This close connection with the Haifan community has helped protect JLO operatives from being discovered by Imperial forces.

After several months of skirmishes and brief confrontations, Jezeraah launched its most ambitious offensive to date with Operation Laylatayn. The offensive encompassed a blitz conducted by four armies into the unclaimed region of Central Haifa. Beginning around the western end of the Maccabi Dam the armies fanned out across the region. A relatively rural area of mixed settlements, many of which were established by Jezeri traders, the region had little resistance to offer against the advancing armies. In fact, with a majority of the population already of Jezeran descent, many viewed it as an overdue responsibility of the Republic to defend the scattered Jezeran settlements and welcomed to soldiers.

Fighting became intense when Jezeran forces eventually reached the borders of Abeis and Keybir-Aviv. The densely-forested hills of the Ghaaba Heights, for example, became the scene of bloody warfare as both sides took heavy casualties trying to navigate the difficult landscape. In the north, despite heavy fighting the 1st Army managed to push into War League territory right to the outskirts of Abeis. The 2nd Army fared worse and though initially taking the city of Zaitoon was eventually forced to retreat back to the hills near Qalbaya. Once dug in to the hills the War League had difficulty in pushing further inland, effectively halting any further retreat.

Operation Laylatayn was a major victory for Jezeraah and within a matter of days tripled the land area of the country. With the eastern region of Central Haifa secure the Republic began immediate steps to bring infrastructure back online and establish protocols for rapid industrialization to support the war effort. In accordance with the country's democratic principles the area was established as its own district (Central Haifa) and both municipal and regional elections were scheduled so that representation can be accorded in parliament. Despite the success of the operation it has moved Jezeraah up from being a sideline contender to direct confrontation with the War League. This escalation of the conflict has been met with mixed reactions in government and population.

Morale and support for the war effort reached its zenith when victories were secured over most of Central Haifa. This silenced opponents to the war effort long enough for the military to secure approval for making an offensive on Abeis. Soon after the military lost ground in the west, being pushed back into the rural highlands. When the two sides collided in the Ghaaba Heights, resulting in high casualties, opposition began to mount. Several high-ranking politicians began vocally supporting an effort to come to terms. But the ball had already begun rolling on Abeis and the offensive went ahead anyways. Despite being a major victory, the military failed to take the entire city and took extremely high losses. It was at this point that the balance tipped in favor of the opposition and public outcry over the bloodshed forced the government to negotiate terms. The resulting agreement nonetheless expanded Jezeraah's territorial holdings almost tenfold, included Eastern Abeis, and granted shared control over several other areas. The terms, and the war, were hailed as a major victory and brought to a close the Haifan Civil War.

OSEC Boycott

In response to reports of Safir peoples being harvested and processed as food products, the Jezeran government announced it would boycott all products originating from the Organisation of Safir Exporting Countries. President Shukri also announced that Jezeraah would be a sanctuary for Safir escaping from territories of the Imperial Trade Union, encouraging them to escape to the Republic where they would not face persecution.

Legalization of Noctic-Rabrev

Use of the plant-based drug Noctic-Rabrev was a controversial issue for the Jezeran population. Prior to independence, the drug had been strictly outlawed by Bassarid forces. Following the establishment of the Republic, the Legislative Council voted to implement a limited legalization of the drug and its cultivation for medicinal purposes only. The state sanctions and certifies farmers within a strict criteria, which includes curbing the use of pesticides and other chemical contaminants on crops. Oils extracted from the leaves, which do not contain psychotropic or vampiric properties, are then marketed to the public at a reduced rate through their medical providers. Proponents claim the drug has many health benefits, including boosting the immune system, anti-anxiety, and more. Research is ongoing. The legalization of the drug effectively eradicated illicit trade within Jezeraah.

While the Jezeri government sought to restrict the usage of Noctic-Rabrev to certain forms of non-psychotropic concentrates, it struggled to prevent the illicit use of the drug in non-concentrated forms. It furthermore struggled to prevent the consumption of Noctic-Rabrev infused Safir meat which was prepared and sold by the Bassarid supported Commune of Nightly Chefs. The growth of the Noctic industry in Jezeraah resulted in a minor outbreak of Noctic Vampirism within the Jezeri population, and the expansion of the Alperkin religion. Refined NRB oils, which do not cause vampirism and/or death, are however quickly outpacing use of the traditional illicit drug.

Claim on Abeis

Following territorial gains made during Operation Laylatayn, the Jezeran government issued an official declaration in which the Republic laid claim to the city of Abeis. Considering itself the cultural and political successor to Haifa, and the War League to essentially be a puppet state, the Republic declared Abeis to be Jezeran territory and the historical (although not political) capital of the nation. The announcement made it clear that, despite high casualties suffered in the Ghaaba Heights, the war was not yet over. Despite losing ground in the west, the Jezeri army pushed north and broke through the defenses of Abeis. The mounting casualty tolls on both sides forced both the Bassarid and Jezeran governments to agree on splitting the city in half, with a Jezeran Eastern Abeis and Bassarid Western Abeis.

Postwar Reconstruction

With the signing of an armistice, and eventual formation of a permanent treaty, between Jezeraah and HPI, the nation could focus on rebuilding. Having tripled its land holdings, the government was faced with a myriad of logistical problems to solve. The establishment of government authority and proper regional representation over the new territories became the first step. Central Haifa was established as the regional government for the Abeisan Peninsula. The Majaanee region came about as the result of localized populations around the Maccabi Dam. These two regions were then given seats in parliament thereby establishing representation within the government.

Besides governance, however, many areas of Jezeraah, including the central islands, suffered severe damage from the war. To offset these damages the government offered subsidies to industry in rebuilding. Thanks to Jezeraah's key location along the Strait of Haifa, the shipping industry proved to be a boon for the economy. In particular the extraction of minerals and ores from Keltia, which were then shipped along the straits, came to serve as a significant source of revenues. With the Maccabi Dam also functioning again, hydroelectric power could be supplied both domestically and to neighboring countries, thereby providing additional income.

Government

The Republic of Jezeraah is a parliamentary democracy that includes confessionalism, in which high-ranking offices are reserved for members of specific ethnic groups. The President must be a Keiphan Jezeri, the Prime Minister an Haifo-Israati, the Speaker of Parliament a Orthodox Morovian, and the Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Deputy Prime Minister either Afrikaan or Pallisican. This system is intended to deter sectarian conflict and attempts to represent fairly the demographic distribution of the ethnic groups in government.

Jezeraah's national legislature is the unicameral Parliament of Jezeraah. The Parliament is elected for a four-year term by popular vote on the basis of sectarian proportional representation.

The executive branch consists of the President, the head of state, and the Prime Minister, the head of government. The parliament elects the president for a non-renewable six-year term by a two-third majority. The president appoints the Prime Minister, following consultations with the parliament. The president and the prime minister form a cabinet, which must also adhere to the sectarian distribution set out by confessionalism.

Political parties

There are five major political parties in Jezeraah:

Name		Ideology	Political position
	Common Grounds Party	Social democracy, multiculturalism	Centre-left
	Islands Alliance	Classical liberalism, agrarianism	Centre
	Haifan Liberation Party	Democratic socialism, environmentalism	Left-wing
	National Party of Haifa	Nationalism, protectionism	Right-wing
	Morovian Solidarity Party	Conservatism, federalism	Centre-right

Geography

Map of Jezeraah

Jezeraah City

Located at the confluence of Lake Morovia and the Maccabi River, Jezeraah consists of two small islands. The larger island is known as the synonymous Jezeraah, while the smaller island is known as Lazawi (Lazuli/Blue Island). The islands have a small land area but are very densely populated and highly developed. Very little arable land remains, and most of this is located on Lazawi. As such most food products are farmed from aquatic sources, such as fish, shellfish, and rice. At around 40 degrees the area boasts a warm climate with cool but not cold winters. The elevation is relatively low due to it being in a river valley, with the highest peak reaching only 304 meters above sea level. Jezeraah's highest point is Mt Naafoora (Fountain Mountain), named for the presence of a fresh water spring that served early settlers of the island.

Jezeraah Island has one major city, Jezeraah City. Several smaller suburbs populate the western reaches of the island. Lazawi has one small city, Azula, located along the northern coast.

The islands are served by three ferry ports, one in Jezeraah City, one in Salqah, and one in Azula. Numerous smaller boats offer transit services, but the ferries are the largest providers. The island is also served by Jezeraah International Airport, located just east of the city. Medical needs are provided for by Jezeraah General Hospital, located northwest of the city.

In the local dialect, Keltia is spelled as Qeltaya.

Following the Haifan Civil War, Jezeraah's territorial area expanded by over 300% and came to include roughly half of the Abeisan Peninsula, officially the district of Central Haifa. Other areas include Majaanee, which administers the lands around the eastern end of the Maccabi Dam and shared control (with HPI) of New Monovia.

Central Haifa includes Jezeraan control of half of the city of Abeis, which is recognized as the titular capitol of the Republic (official executive offices are still maintained in Jezeraah City for purposes of security). Following the civil war, much industry was shifted away from Jezeraah Island onto the mainland, allowing for more urban business development to occupy the former industrial space. This shift in economic bases has allowed for Jezeraah City to become a much stronger business center while furthering economic growth in Central Haifa.

Foreign Relations

Nation	Status	Visa Policy	Notes
Alduria	No Contact	Visa required
Alperkin	Contact	Visa required	Limited contact and trade of Noctic-Rabrev
Alrig	No Contact	Visa required
Antakia	No Contact	Visa required
Arcadia	No Contact	Visa required
Batavia	No Contact	Visa required
Birgeshir	No Contact	Visa required
Bryconia	No Contact	Visa required
Caradia	No Contact	Visa required
Constancia	No Contact	Visa required
Craitland	No Contact	Visa required
Drak-Modan	No Contact	Visa required
Elwynn	No Contact	Visa required
Florian Republic	No Contact	Visa required
Francia	No Contact	Visa required
Freeland	No Contact	Visa required
Goëtia	No Contact	Visa required
Guttuli	No Contact	Visa required
Imperial Trade Union	Contact	Visa required	Peace treaty signed following the end of the Haifan Civil War
Inner Benacia	No Contact	Visa required
Iron Cult	No Contact	Visa required
Jääland	No Contact	Visa required
Jingdao	No Contact	Visa required
Juclandia	No Contact	Visa required
Kalgachia	No Contact	Visa required
Krasnocoria	No Contact	Visa required
Leylstadt	No Contact	Visa required
Los Liberados	No Contact	Visa required
Lostisland	No Contact	Visa required
Lumis	No Contact	Visa required
Mercury	No Contact	Visa required
Natopia	No Contact	Visa required
Nova England	No Contact	Visa required
Palesmenia	No Contact	Visa required
Phinbella	No Contact	Visa required
Ralgon	No Contact	Visa required
Ransenar	No Contact	Visa required
Réunion	No Contact	Visa required
Sanama	No Contact	Visa required
Sanpantul	No Contact	Visa required
Senya	No Contact	Visa required
Shireroth	No Contact	Visa required
Sovereign Confederation	No Contact	Visa required
Stormark	No Contact	Visa required
Tellia	No Contact	Visa required
Thracistan	No Contact	Visa required
Unified Governorates	No Contact	Visa required
Vatakan	No Contact	Visa required
Verionian Empire	No Contact	Visa required
Vi'Ix	No Contact	Visa required
Wechua	No Contact	Visa required

Demographics

The country has a total population of 1,647,296 citizens.

The following was the ethnic breakdown of the country, according to the 2019 census:

• Jezerans: 798,780
• Morovians: 225,610
• Haifans: 405,821
• Afrikaanans: 80,115
• Pallisicans: 25,441
• Normarkians: 11,529

Culture

The culture of Jezeraah is distinct from much of the surrounding Haifan communities in that it was influenced from very early on by Babki settlers from Eura. As such, the island's architecture and traditions are either derived or bear resemblance to those already established in some of the now-extinct nations of Eura such as Babkha.

Religion

Most Jezerans are communicants of the Temple of Keiphah, which began as an offshoot of the worship of Zartosht, a religious sect brought over from Eura. The Keiphah Faith is a religion teaching the essential worth of all religions, and the unity and equality of all people. Three principles are central to these teachings: the unity of God, the unity of religion, and the unity of humanity. God periodically reveals his will through divine messengers, whose purpose is to transform the character of humankind and to develop, within those who respond, moral and spiritual qualities. Religion is thus seen as orderly, unified, and progressive from age to age.

Economy and Infrastructure

Jezeraah has a small economy that is hampered by high-density population and limited access to resources. This has been further impaired by the Haifan Civil War. Lazawi produces the greatest majority (over seventy percent) of Jezeraah's agricultural products, which include citrus, olives and vegetables. The cut flower industry is also growing and may pass food products as a major export within the next decade or so. Other major exports include fish products (including shellfish), olive-wood carvings, textiles, and mother-of-pearl. A limited amount of oil has been found offshore.

One major boon to the economy has been the Maccabi Hydroelectric Facility which sits south of Jezeraah on the Maccabi River. It consists of the Maccabi Dam and helps retain water in the natural basin that forms Lake Morovia. The project consists of the dam with 30 turbines producing an estimated 6,000 MW of power. The western end of the dam is connected to several locks that allow ships to pass up and down the river. The facility produces a large amount of power that is then sold to nearby communities, generating a significant profit for the island yet also monopolizing the economy. Since the start of the civil war and the collapse of Caputia control of the dam has become tenuous and Jezeri forces retain a large contingent of soldiers there to protect it from attacks. Its importance to communities within the Morovian Watershed, on both sides of the conflict, have helped keep it from becoming a war target.

Military

The Jezeran military consists of the Jezeraah National Security Forces. This is further divided into four branches; army, navy, air force and intelligence.

At present the JNSF consists of around 30,000 personnel. The division is as follows:

• Jezeran National Republican Army (all ground land-based forces): about 11,000 members.
• Jezeran National Naval Armada (all ocean-going military assets, including marines): about 7,000 members.
• National Air Force of Jezeraah (all air-based military assets): about 4,000 members.
• Jezeran National Intelligence (police and preventive security): about 8,000 members.

See also

• Haifa
• Haifan Civil War