Commonwealth of Zeed
:"Zeed" redirects here. For the former iteration, see Union of the Republics of Zeed.
| The Commonwealth of Zeed | |||
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| Motto: For the unity of the people! | |||
| Anthem: | |||
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| Map versions | TBD | ||
| Capital | Rusjar | ||
| Largest city | Rusjar | ||
| Official language(s) | Zeedic Ruthenian Babkhi | ||
| Official religion(s) | Ruthenian Orthodox Bakhan Zurvanism | ||
| Demonym | Zeeder | ||
| - Adjective | Zeedic or Zeed | ||
| Government | Military Government | ||
| - High Representative and Supreme Plenipotentiary | Jost Grobba | ||
| - Chief Secretary | Sergey Ilych Chernavyin | ||
| - Legislature | The All-Union Presidium of the Republics | ||
| Establishment | 1716 AN | ||
| Area | 2,122,272 km2 | ||
| Population | |||
| Active population | 27,050,770 | ||
| Currency | Ruble | ||
| Calendar | Norton | ||
| Time zone(s) | CMT+3 | ||
| Mains electricity | 230 V. 50 Hz | ||
| Driving side | Righthand side | ||
| Track gauge |
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| National website | |||
| National forum | |||
| National animal | none | ||
| National food | none | ||
| National drink | Whatever can be made cheapest | ||
| National tree | none | ||
| Abbreviation | URZ, ZEE (FMF), ZD (MOS) | ||
The Commonwealth of Zeed or more often simply as Zeed, was established in 1716, and is located in south-western region of the continent of Eura. A Humanist multi-ethnic state, Zeed was founded out of the remnants of the Empire of Zeed - itself the product of an ethnic conglomeration of many of the former peoples of Babkha and the post-nuclear horror, nominally headed by the Ruthenian ethnic group. Following the Rokhpin Revolution, Zeed was transformed into a federative Union of relatively autonomous republics, each one largely comprising of a separate ethnic group or similarly related groups facilitating their need for such an autonomous region within the Union. Incredibly diverse in history and ethnicity, Zeed is a microcosm of the ancient realms which once inhabited its parent continent, leading to the necessity of the unique form of humanist democracy the people enjoy today.
Zeed was characterised, prior to the Third Euran War as socialist due to its laws stating that land could not be owned. Subsequently the title to the land of Zeed was reframed by the declaration of right, made in 1702 AN, so that the use of the land and any natural resources found therein was on a leasehold concessionary basis - granted by the state. It is accordingly necessary for private corporations, in order to thrive, to form mutually beneficial and reciprocal relations with the state.
Government & politics
Civil Executive
History
Empire of Zeed
In centuries past, the Ruthenian people and their lands were largely referred to as Seyyedi - roughly translating as "distinguished peoples" in colloquial Babki by the various Babkhan tribes. A noted Osmanid Khan and explorer, Arshahma al-Osmani Khan, noted in his diaries -
Their complexion was of a bit fairer tones than our own, with no uniform hue of hair - brown, blonde and even black hued hair could be seen among every strata of their society. All were well-groomed, their long locks of hair clean and perfumed, as was their skin. I can only attribute this to their almost religious use of bath houses - what they refer to as banya. The fabrics in which they clothed themselves in were plain, but they belied craftsmanship worthy of a Shah. It is this craftsmanship that I have sought such interactions with these tribes. They are uniquely distinguished among the barbarians of these open lands.—Diaries of Arshahma al-Osmani Khan, Undated
However, through the centuries and Babkhan expansion throughout Eura, Ruthenians saw themselves slowly integrated into the Harmonious Society at varying levels. This eventually lead to a concept of those with Ruthenian ethnic backgrounds being known as Seyyedic people in the more archaic Babki dialects. This eventually saw the use of the ethnonym Zeedic come into common use in the modern tongues. With so much of Babkhan cultural an linguistic influences still being very much present in the Union's predecessor state - The Empire of Zeed - it was natural that the use of Zeed is as a concept of the people and the nationhood.
Union of the Republics of Zeed
The constituent Republics of the Union are what make of the primary subdivisions of the nation. Each one is an ethnic, linguistic, or historical region - solidified into a largely self-governing province. Each Republic is granted a seat in The All-Union Presidium of the Republics, the legislative body of the Union. This comprises the representation of the uniquely diverse population of the nation to the national government under the concept of self-governance uniquely suited to the constituent people, unifying and working together towards the common good of the nation - one of the core tenants of the Union.
Each republic used to governs themselves in accordance with their own constitution or set of by-laws, with special attention to the nationally binding document - and its core concepts - the national constitution. No such constituency may pass any law which directly contradicts or supersedes the national constitution. Additionally, national defense, foreign relations, international trade, internal commerce and its regulation are all delegated to the national government.
As of 17 Nawruz 1689, the Union comprises of five autonomous republics, Ashad Republic, Ḡur Republic, Republic of Malirusenia, Republic of Nyongolo and the Ruthenian Republic. However, conflicts have still raged on, and no set borders have yet to be official decided or considered internally recognized. In 1693 the Republic of Garujulia was formed. The Ghur Republic was however ceded to the Suren after the Third Euran War.
Despite the ongoing Interim Conflicts, on 13 Kanam 1688, Vladim Timoshenko was elected the first First Secretary of the Union by an overwhelming majority of the populace. Even as several internal conflicts raged on in many areas of the Union as the republics solidified themselves, there were reports of nearly a ninety-nine (99) percent voter turnout. With the election of the national and revolutionary hero, the hopes of the solidification of all the republics within a year was becoming more realistic.
Several foreign observer organizations falsely reported the use of armed pro-Revolutionary militias as swaying and even intimidating Zeedic citizens. These accusations were directly contradicted by Timoshenko in a later press conference, reminding the international world that there were still many violent clashes between the new and legitimate government and factions which opposed the instalment of a truly democratic society. Front militias were used solely as protection against potential violence that could have been done towards the people of the new democratic Zeed voting in a their first new First Secretary.
Following the surprise decision of Vladim Timoshenko to retire on grounds of ill-health, the Revolutionary Council organised fresh elections to chose a successor. The election was suspended after Rashid Hasanzadeh received the endorsement of his sole opponent. The decision of the Revolutionary Council and the Party to select Rashid was put to the citizenry in a subsequent plebiscite - with a 98% vote in favour.
The political atmosphere of the Union was very complex. The national government reserveed certain powers for itself in its national constitution, with almost all other powers delegated to the autonomous republics. It explicitly explicitly mentions,
Article 2 - The sovereignty of the republics is limited only within the provisions set forth in this Constitution. Outside of these provisions, each republic exercises state authority independently.—1688 Constitution of the Union, ~
Coupled with the general policy of "ethnic and regional autonomy" as practiced by First Secretary Timoshenko, while it is a cohesive nation united under common principles, the general atmosphere and governance of each republic is nearly identical to an independent nation. There are approximately 19 powers which the national government reserves the right to exercise, all of which deal with foreign relations and trade, national security and internal economics. This is very evident when looking at the Ḡur Republic, as their own internal factions have struggled with conflicts long since before the Union. However, as they are largely part of the concept of ethnic and regional autonomy - and the fact that these small scale skirmishes do not directly effect national security - they are ignored.
This very unique system of both law and policy has, however, created a very strong sense of national unity. This is because of the general consensus that the national government exists for their benefit. The ideologies of the All-Union Revolutionary Front and the Nationalist and Humanist Party, by nature, create a greater sense of purpose for the multi-ethnic state. This is directly reflected in the All-Union Presidium of the Republics - the national legislature.
The Presidium was, as defined in the constitution, the legislature of the Union. A simple-majority, unicameral body of government where each of the leaders of the autonomous republics meet. This is where the individual governments of the republics meet the national government of the Union. Referendums are proposed, voted on and submitted to the Supreme Council for evaluation to either be passed into national law or be vetoed. As such, the Presidium could be considered the direct method of communication between the people of the Union and the Supreme Council.
As a new emerging country on the international scene, Zeed did not have much experience on the diplomatic scene. Its analogue to a foreign minister, initially the notorious Rashid Hasanzadeh, Secretary of the Central Committee of Foreign Relations, made this limitation painfully clear with his erratic interventions on the international stage. It was however a party to the Fontainebleau Accords and a member of the Euran Economic Community thereby.
Although its relations with the Raspur Pact up and to early 1693 AN were close and cooperative, surprised its friends in the Raspur Pact on 15.II.1693 AN when it recognised the Republic of Elwynn and Amokolia and the Republic of Tarrland as sovereign entities. Rashid Hasanzadeh, first secretary, announced that Zeed felt solidarity with the revolutionary struggle with these two new countries, and that Zeed would support them at all costs. "We too know what subjugation feels, and how glorious it is when one casts off one's chains", Hasanzadeh added.
These words were followed by actions two days later on 17.II.1693 AN when the Revolutionary Armed Forces launched surprise air strikes against Constancian and Surenid airfields. The former Elwynnese embassy in Rusjar was given to the Republic of Elwynn and Amokolia, and the former Suren embassy was given to the Republic of Tarrland.
It remains cordial with Hurmu, with an embassy in Vesüha and a consulate in Ghawlama. Hurmu has an embassy in Rusjar. There is a Hurmu–Zeed Friendship Society in both countries.
Zeed established relations with Calbion in 1693, and began negotiating the purchase of Calbain military equipment, as well as ships.
In 1694, following the Tarr genocide in Kaamiozyr/Tarrland, Zeed announced, with the support of the Republic of Tarrland government-in-exile in Rusjar, that it would from now on assume the role of protecting power for Tarrland on the international scene. As such, all Republic of Tarrland passports would be stamped with a note from the Government of Zeed saying that this person is a protected person of Zeed. As such, Tarrland passport holders had the same prerogatives as Zeedic citizens.
Red Konil (XII.1696) was a lawful reorganization of the Government of the Union of the Republics of Zeed in light of the absence and inability of Rashid Hasanzadeh, Hero of the Revolution, to exercise his powers and duties, resulting in Sergey Ilych Chernavyin taking office as Chairman of the Supreme Council and Premier Secretary of the Union.
This action resulted in full activation and deployment of the Popular Mobilisation Brigades and the Committees of Public Safety in order to meet the existing counterrevolutionary threat. With most men of military age being called up for service under the Popular Mobilisation Brigades, Chairman and Premier Secretary and the government mandated the establishment of the voluntary People's Druzhina, also known as the Volunteers, patterned after their Elluenuueq counterpart. They would assist in ensuring public order and safety, and serve as a final reserve in the event of continued enemy advance into the territories of the Union.
Raspur Pact-Occupied Zeed / Military Government of Zeed
The Third Euran War would end in Zeed's capitulation at the 1701 Armistice of Alduria City, subsequently coming under the administrative control of the Allied Control Commission appointed by Trans-Euran Command to manage the transformation of Zeed into a model humanist state. The capitulation also permitted Zeed to take up its place on the institutions of the Euran Economic Union, from which it had been suspended for the duration of hostilities.
From 1708 AN the Allied Control Commission would be further coordinated by the Committee of Euran Salvation, established in Mehrshahr, which brought together the governments of Constancia, the Suren Confederacy, and Zeed so as to better align with the requirements of the Trans-Euran Continental Theatre Command.
In 1709 AN the locally raised Garrisoned Police Force of Zeed assumed the balance of public order enforcement duties formerly undertaken by the occupation forces. Although under the control of a minister appointed by the Allied Control Commission, the Garrisoned Police Force was subordinated to the General Inspectorate of Eura and Corum, whose Third Directorate was headquartered in Rusjar.
The Recession of 1709 saw the populace, so long treated as a reserve of labour by the victorious Constancians, plunged once more into squalor and misery, the source of numerous and well-grounded discontents as formerly full orderbooks abruptly emptied. Low wages and lack of employment caused widespread unrest, which were fanned into a succession of riots, as the disruptions to trade made food dearer. The initial disorders were swiftly put down by the efficient behaviour of the officers commanding the troops sent to suppress the malcontents. A spate of hangings and sentences of bonded servitude, spent working on the Trans-Euran Railway, had been enough for the initial phase. However, this was not to be the end of it. The left wing of what was once the All-Union Revolutionary Front, which had been suppressed after the armistice, now reappeared, and began to take the shape of a new political movement, as extremist radical leaders came out of hiding and kept up a perpetual and growing agitation.
The Radicals sought to build upon the mounting social discontent by advocating for democratic reforms. Huge meetings were held, advocating the convocation of an annual Duma, elected from the populace on the basis of universal suffrage. The Allied Control Commission was thoroughly disconcerted by the resurgence of popular discontent amongst the conquered peoples of the realm, and ordinances against seditious gatherings were hurriedly passed.
The unrest of 1709 AN onwards did however provide an opportunity to some. The All-Union Humanist Party and the General Secretary, Sergey Ilych Chernavyin, had long been marginalised by the Allied Control Commission, in spite of forming the Civil Executive which aspired to be the revived Zeedic civilian government, reformed along Humanist lines, after the eventual end of the occupation. Some in the ranks of the party cadres despaired that the day of emancipation would never come, but the majority were determined to prove their mettle and their ability to assume the mantle of self-rule. Thus the General Secretary began to recover some of his vanished power and prestige when the existence of the Zeedic White Guard was unveiled at a parade in Rusjar on New Year's Day in 1710 AN, in what was believed to be an effort to establish his own counterbalance to the Garrisoned Police Force of Zeed which was established by the Committee of Euran Salvation and which also drew upon those collaborators who had embraced Humanism.
On 6.XII.1711 AN, skull-racks were installed at the mouth of the Potami Androphagi (River Erik / Sandy River), and the first four Bassarid merchants brought ashore and decapitated later that same day. Nyongolai medicine men were instructed to bring out their cooking pots and boil off the flesh from the decapitated heads, and to extricate the brain matter from the cranial cavity using hooked implements. The skulls, once cleaned, were dispatched to jewellers in the Ashad Republic to polish, prior to their being returned on 3.XIII.1711 AN for installation on the rack. The rack mountings being overseen and guarded by troops from the General Inspectorate of Eura and Corum. Besides the skull rack was placed a prominent sign in several Euran languages, indicating that any merchant hailing from outside the bounds of the Euran Economic Union or the Raspur Pact would, henceforth, be obliged to pay a toll to the Zeedic authorities, if they wished to proceed up the River Erik, lest their cargo be confiscated and their skulls be similarly prepared so as to adorn the racking.
Commonwealth of Zeed
Although the phrase "Commonwealth of Zeed" was being used in administrative documents as early as 1716, primarily in aspirational reference to a quasi-post-occupation Zeed, it only began legally and with legal basis with the promulgation of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Zeed, promulgated XIV.1727, and with legal effect on the first day of 1728.
With the promulgation of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Zeed, new institutions were established, such as the National Assembly, Presidency Council, Council of Ministers, a Federal Supreme Court, a Higher Juridical Council, a Special Tribunal and national commissions such as the Commission on Public Integrity, the Property Claims Commission, and the Higher National Ideological Hygiene Commission.
