Zurkanrek, also known as The Eastern Gate, is a city in the Kovdazar region of the Lake Federation and was founded in 3 AA by a combination of Ashen Migrants and exiles from the northwestern cities. It was known for its significant trade and imports from Yanshen via its famous Treasure Fleet and for the The Grand Academy of Abosrekodh.
History[]
Zurkanrek was founded in 3 AA by a combination of Ashen Migrants and exiles from the northwestern cities. The city rose to power quickly due to the new migrants' lack of fear of the open sea and their knowledge of civilization across the plains to the east. They brought trade from the outside world for the first time and became one of the founding members of the Trading League, taking Kovtalzar's place as the dominant power of the northwest.
The city's diplomats command a certain degree of respect within the Federation, as Zurkanrek is one of the only four truly important cities founded during the Ashen Migration and the only one that stood as a dominant power in the lakes.
Economy and Industry[]
Since its founding, Zurkanrek has been the sole point of peaceful contact with the world outside of the lakes. Its ships sail far beyond the horizon to trade with Yanshen, bringing fabulous exotics and news back to their homes. Every decade, the famed Treasure Fleet departs Zurkanrek to trade, bringing considerable wealth from abroad and tales of local customs upon its return.
As such, Zurkanrek's main export is Yansheni silk, first introduced to the city by merchants returning from the east. The silk is famed for its beauty and abundance, and it’s a commonly held belief that even the poorest of the city have felt its soft embrace at least once in their lives.
It also keeps close relations with it's neighbouring city Yarumudh. They produce high quality rugs, that are then sold by Zurkanrek merchants in Yanshen, for a share of the profit. In return Yarumudh recieves discounts on all imports from Zurkanrek.
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It is commonly said that Zurkanrek lives and dies by the capabilities of its navy, and as such, every citizen must serve a tour in the merchant marine to ensure they don't forget the reason their city rose to prominence. This has been an ongoing practice for centuries and a point of pride amongst the citizenry. The Rising Sun flag of Zurkanrek was known from Anbenncóst to Tianlou, and the city's merchants are unusually proud to be flying under its banner since it represents protection, honesty, and good business.
Today, it serves as one of the main staging grounds for the Lake Federation navy, and its vast shipyards have mostly been converted into military production. The city's navy is well-respected, and the Grand Academy of Abosrekodh just south of Zurkanrek, is famed within the Federation and beyond as the premier naval academy. Graduates are known as some of the best admirals a truly modern fleet can ask for, skilled on the battlefield and filled with pride for their grand city.