Glikaero

Glikaero (Tilennan: ; : Glicaire ) is a in Southern Tilenno, located in the region of Atriva. With a population of more than 6 million in 2018, it is the most populous city-state within the Federation. it is home to the largest metropolitan area, which is called Glikaero as well. It mainly consists of the largest island Glikaero and two smaller islands Fourae and Reizjo. The city-state also includes multiple smaller islands like Murto and Sèlano. The region is sometimes refered to as the Diamond Islands.

The name of the city-state comes from the city of Glikaero, the largest metropolitan area in Tilenno, which itself derived its name from the Tilennan word for diamond (qlikae) and city (reicha), from which its nickname diamond city also originates. Other notable municipalities in Glikaero are Reizjores on the island of Rezjo, Montes, just south of Glikaero city and Fazjita in the east.

Glikaero is known for its diamond trade, great business oportunities and international and cosmopolitan characteristics. Some notable sites within the city-state are the Shimmering Sun Theater, the Àrije Lighthouse, Uo Temple, Làmere Bird Sanctuary, Diamond Crown peak and Òre observatory. The islands also offer many great beaches and tourist facilities like hotels, restaurants and aquatic activities.

History

 * see also: History of Tilenno

Early History
Glikaero was the first major settlement on the Atrivan isles, being founded by Terukian settlers in 1100 BCE as Rèleso. The first ruler of Glikaero was called Àrino Àmaerise. The city grew larger in the wake of the Terukian collapse. As the power balance shifted more towards the islands, it was Glikaero who first contacted and connected the other city-states again via trade during what was known as the Great Glikaeran Outreach. Glikaero could cement itself as a central trading hub between Atriva and Gantes, from which its influence over the region grew. Over the next couple of centuries Glikaero had to fight many wars to secure its favourable position. In the end it lost against the Làmosan coalition of Làgora during the siege of Glikaero in 337 BCE.

When a couple of decades the Làgorian rule collpased into the 3 dynasties, Glikaero became the capital of the Kalio Dynasty. After the succesion crisis of the first War of Hummingbirds it became the capital of the Vàlesia Dynasty. During the centuries after Glikaero tended to play a more passive role in political affairs moreso focussing on trade than on the pursuit of territory and power. It remained one of the wealthier and more populuous city-states of the region.

During the colonial era, Glikaero was one of the major proponents of the confederacy and unity between the different Dynasties as it saw its position treathened by the Ovancian colonisers. Glikaero also offered major support for the Northern territories, war however never reached Glikaero itself, safe from some minor naval battles. During the age of Split Tilenno it were mostly Glikaeran explorers that visited Artemia and Kesh. Later on they'd focus on the Tethys Island Express route between East Kesh and North East Avalonia as a major trading opportunity. After unification Glikaero remained mostly neutral during the Tilennan Christian genocide, never actively pursuing Christians themselves, although also not halting the Pural armies.

Modern History
Glikaero was one of the first city-states to industrialise along with North Gantes, creating a big wealth disparity within the population and causing some major protests. It was also a major player in the Civil War at the end of the 19th century, fighting against the Royalists. It eventually lost the war as well as a significant portion of its population, especially the city of Reizjores was heavily hit in the siege of Reizjores destroying most of the city. The famous painting from Abes Osaede depicting this event in the painting March tot Glikaero from 1914. After the Civil War, Glikaero has shown itself more in favour of the unity of the Federation. During the time leading up to the Osorra-Tilenno War it was a major proponent of the anti-communist agenda and action against their southern neighbours. This came to bite them back later during multiple bombings in the actual war causing a major loss of life.

Nowadays Glikaero remains a major trading hub and a connector between Northwest Avalonia and East Kesh. Glikaero keeps one of the largest diamond trade centers in Avalonia. Many Tilennan companies as well as some foreign companies with branches in Northwest Avalonia have their headquarters in Glikaero. In 2002 the Harmony bridge, connecting Glikaero with the mainland, was officially opened and provided easier travel towards the island, boosting its economy and integration with the Federation. Currently there also exists a high speed railway line between Reizjores and Mesère, named the 96 West Express.

Geography


Glikaero consists of multiple islands located in the north of the Atrivan Sea. The largest of these islands in called Glikaero. This island is home to the city of Glikaero and 14 of the 16 municipalities, making it the most populous by far. The second biggest island is Lonema Reizjo which together with the fourth biggest island Murto forms the municipality of Reizjores, which is the second most populous. The third biggest island Fourae is home to the municipality of Fourae-Erae, which is in a dispute with Fourae-Kítrae in Chives of the title of the legendary Fourae from the tale of Mareiso. The three biggest islands are all connected via bridges with the longest one, Harmony Bridge, at 36km between Ones in Fares Atrivo and Àsoches, connecting the islands to the mainland via rail and highway.

The majority of the population is centered in the Càneida river valley in the center of Glikaero Island. The valley is flanked by the Moon Ridge in the North East, where the highest peak at 1547 meters, Diamond Crown, is located, as well as the 3rd and 4th highest peak, Les Peak (1134 m) and Lèfaema Reach (932 m) respectively. In the West the valley borders the Batriá Kàrilo mountains with the second highest peak, Leta Àrides at 1377 meters. THe famous Lasa Falls are located here. In the South West the Batriá Kàrilo run over in the Reses Hills. The island of Fourae claims it's tiny hill is actually the mythical volcano from the story of Mareiso, although this has been disproven by many geologists.

In the center of the city-state lies the Glikae Bay, where many islands are protected as nature reserves. The islands closest to the mouth of the Càneida are incorporated in Glikaero city, with the biggest one being Sèlano. The bay is surrounded by the Àsoches and Xiàso peninsulas as well as Fourae island. Between the Xiàso peninsula and the islands of Reizjores lies the Reizja Sea. Some smaller islands surround the city-state with furthest out the Deilo Islands. The most northern point is located in Kabes Úreiso and is called Dolphin Point because of the large population in the area.

Population
Glikaero has significantly increased in population over the past century. There were 2 major drops in population from around the time of the Civil War and the Osorra-Tilenno War.

State
The current lord following the 2018 General Elections is Abera Delense from the liberal party Glaechedé. Her terms end in 2024. The leader of the City-State Council is Mera Silaenso, also from GXD. The City-State council consists of 62 representatives of which 43 come from the municpality of Glikaero alone. Reizjores, Montes, Fourae-Erae and Kabes Úreiso all get two representatives, the other 11 all get one.

Federal
In the Federal Elections of 2018 the liberal and Tilennan centric party Glaechedé decisively won the city state of Glikaero with 53% of the votesecuring 15 seats in the chamber of representatives. The runner-up was the confederalist party of GLL with 6 seats, followed by FDL with 4 seats. The green party LTS got 1 seat mainly from votes in Glikero City and the right-wing conservative party TLK got 1 seat as well mainly from the conservative north.

The two senators from Glikaero are Kerena Laeres and Pireno Xaves, both from GXD. The Pural Senators, Averae Lisores, famous novellist and politicologist, and Siraese Niaro, doctor in chemistry and UNC prize winner, originate both from Glikaero.

As Glikaero sends about 10% of all federal representatives, the most of any city-state, it recieves a lot of attention from the media and politicians during the election season. Huge amounts of money are spent every year trying to sway the Glikaeran vote in their favour. While Tilenno used to vote FDL, a successful campaign from GXD over the last few election cycles has shifted the vote in their favour.

The High Court of Artiva is located in Glikaero as well as the highest Corporate Court in Tilenno, SiLàRae. A branch of the Imperial court also exist within the city-state, although due to tshortened travel times more and more cases are being settled in the main Imperial Court in Hireno.

Life
As Glikaero is the most important economic city within the federation, life within the city-state is busy and fast. Most people live in small apartments and the cost of living is high compared to the rest of the nation. While the city has an extensive metro network and the rail network reaches all the outskirts, it is often overcrowned in the morning and evening rush hours. While the Glikaeran citizens make on average the most amount of money out of anywhere, they also are the most stressed and overworked.

While work plays a very important role in the life of a Glikaeran worker, the city also offers a multitude of cultural activities like museums, concerts, nightclubs, expos, conventions and more. There never is a lack of things to do. The city-state is especially well known for its Jazz festival, Sulvo Are, in the municipality of Fazjita. The annual alcohol conevention, showcasing unique alcoholic drinks from all across the world is held here.

Life in the outskirts is more relaxed and often a place for Glikaran citizens to come to rest. The beaches of Dunaso and Huneire are frequented often by overstressed families from the city. While the city itselfs receives a lot of foreign tourists, the other municipalities stay relatively safe from foreigners and a great getaway spot for locals. The 15 other municipalities are sometimes also nicknamed Glikaero's garden for this exact reason.

Poverty within the city is however increasing and ghetto areas are expanding around the city. Homelessness is also on the rise and it is not uncommon to get agressed at night if you find yourself in the wrong area of town. While the center is policed well and homeless people are removed from the streets, this is not the case everywhere. It is recommended for tourists to stay in the city center and only to go outside during daylight and stay on the main roads. A shortcut in Glikaero can be a shortcut through life.



Cuisine
As with all Atrivan states, fish and seafood play a major role in the Glikaeran cuisine. Especially the municipality of Montes is renowned for its fresh fish and seafood markets. A Glikaeran's favourite dish is undoubtably the Saeriva fish stew, made with steamed catfish, pineapple, tomatoes and a whole bunch of chili and soy sauce. It is liked for its great combination of savory, spicy and sweet elements giving a delcious balance of flavours.

Glikaero is also home to the most famous and prized restaurants in Tilenno. The Toma Glisaeno, a three star restaurant owned by chef Milo Deika, is located in the center of Glikaero. It is especially well-known for its unique spin on seafood and desserts. While getting a table at Toma Glisaeno is a costly and lengthy proces it is sure worth the money and time as it is an experience you won't forget quickly.

Streetfood is also an exciting part of Glikaeran food culture. Showing up as a response to the ever more fast-paced life of a Glikaeran worker, a street vendor can now be found on almost every street corner. Most vendors take inspiration from international dishes like pancakes and pasta and put a modern Tilennan spin on them. The most popular street dish still remains pizza, which is locally called kòreuna. Glikaeran style pizza often features a thin and crispy base without a crust like one would expect from Artemian style pizza and is topped with sweet ingredients like pineapple, mango, banana or even oranges. Desserts are often sold on the street as well, the market is mainly dominated by the Ovancia-style bakers from the french regions, together with cotton candy and rock candy. Tilennan dessert vendors like to put up a spectacle to draw in customers and sometimes go viral on social media.

Sports
Glikaero is home to some major sport clubs and events. The local volleyball team, the Glikaeran Eagles, is one of the best in the federation and has won multiple national titles as well as some international. Tennis is popular with every year the Glikaero Open, a minor solo festival, being held in the Montes, which is traditionally played on a white sandstone court. Pauline Serae is the current defender of the title. Soccer has also seen a rise in popularity over the years, especially with the great performance of the national team. The home team of Glikaero is the Glikaeran Diamond Streaks. Swimming and other aquatic sports are in contrast to the rest of the nation less popular, although still widely practised.

The biggest stadium within the city-state is the Shimmering Sun Theater on the island of Sèlano. It is a half open dome which looks out on the Glikae bay. The stadium is used for various sporting events like volleyball, atlethics, hockey, soccer and even calcio storico. For special occasions the arena can even be flooded to provide a court for Úches, Tilennnan water volleyball. The stadium has a maximum capacity of 55.000, making it the biggest stadium in Tilenno, although the capacity of the Stadae Enesho Nerates can be expanded to provide for a larger audience.

Landmarks and Sites


Glikaero has no lack of interesting sites to discover, man-made as well as natural. Here follows a limited list of the most interesting locations and sites within the city-state:


 * Àrije Lighthouse
 * Uo Temple
 * Améra museum of classical arts
 * Làmere Bird Sanctuary
 * Shimmering Sun Theater
 * Diamond Crown
 * Òre Observatory
 * Kalio Palace
 * Palace of Toures
 * Reizjores city hall
 * Pillar of resistance
 * Temple of Mika
 * Glikaeran city wall ruins
 * Montes old harbor
 * Harmony Bridge
 * Dolphin Point
 * Mythical Volcano of Fourae
 * Lasa Falls
 * Dunaso Exotic Market
 * Deilo Islands

Municipalities


Glikaero consists of 16 municipalities of which Glikaero City is the largest at more than 5 million inhabitants, about 80% of the total population. It is followed by Reizjores at 370 thousand and Montes at 170 thousand. Fourae-Erae and Kabes Úreiso also both have a population of over 100 thousand. All other municipalities are smaller.

Glikaero City
The city of Glikaero dominates the city-state population wise. It is the largest city of Tilenno and is often synonymous with the city-state as a whole. The other municipalities act therefore more as suburbs to Glikaero City than truly function separately. It is a commercial and cultural hot spot and evryone who hopes to make a career in Tilenno passes through Glikaero at some point. The city is however brusting a bit outside of its seems and can't keep up with the rising demand in housing, transportation and jobs.

Reizjores
Reizjores is the second biggest municipality, but still trails far behind Glikaero City. It is the most independent of the municipalities and relies the least on the central city. People from Reizjores often see themselves separate from the rest of the city-state. Reizjores is becoming a more popular place for people to move out to as it has all the cultural benefits of the city with the charm of a small island town.

Montes
Montes is the third biggest municipality of Glikaero and is often nicknamed the fishery of Glikaero. The municipality is well known for its fish and sefood and Glikaeran chefs often visit their markets for the highest quality products. Besides that it is a very charming seside town with cute regional shops, but sometimes also described as a bit of a tourist trap. It is not uncommon to hear tales of tourist being charged more than locals.