Hydar State

Hydar Sultanate or Hydar State is a sultanate in Kesh, bordering Kodeshia to the east and Asharistan to the north. It is among the poorest and most underdeveloped states in Eastern Kesh, with a GDP per capita of $1,200, an urbanization rate of 38%, and an HDI of .67. The geography is extremely rugged with many rainforests and mountains, forcing most populations to be cut off from the outside world. Consequently, state power is limited outside of the cities. The cities that do exist are crowded around two clusters, the Qirya Metropolitan Region and the Santai-Tanzai Cluster, both of which have an excess of 20 million people. The nation has been slowly modernizing, however many of the villages remain unwilling to integrate in the wider world. These villages preserve traditions and cultures that have existed for many millennia.

Hydar is ruled by the Sultan of Hydar, a former warlord who broke away from Kodeshia during the Kodeshian Civil War. The Sultan at first saw himself as the rightful leader of all-Kodeshia, and would lead a jihad against Kodeshia during the Great Kesh War. The Sultan would overthrow many of the Hui administrators and generals, replacing them with loyal Persians, Pashtuns, Mons, and Assamese. The Forces of Righteousness would at first move deep into Kodeshia before being expelled, and later his forces were on the defensive. They would flee to remote mountains in the Long Exodus before eventually regrouping and reclaiming Hydar. Kodeshia signed a separate peace a few years later with the Sultan, and the nation became independent. Hydar would get aid from many countries from the 60-80s to support its fight against various socialist insurgents. In the 90s the nation finally saw peace, and would sign various agreements to improve its infrastructure and open up to the wider world. To keep most of the nation's pristine rainforest and nature from disappearing, the Sultan declared over 80% of Hydar a protected space where no urban development can occur in 1995, forcing most development to happen around two urban clusters. "Protected space" can still have rural villages and small plots, however development past the rural economy is restricted.

Hydar has a very diverse, yet fast growing economy. The economy is very unbalanced, with most of the GDP generated in just two major clusters. The vast majority of Hydaris remain outside the economy and are mostly subsistence farmers. The largest sector of the economy is industry, followed by services and construction. Most banks are under state control, and give out credit according to state plans. Hydar has created a massive manufacturing sector through heavy industries such as steel, many of which are used in construction projects. The government has been criticized for enabling a boom of "cheap" construction to try to artificially inflate the economy. An influx of ghost housing and so called "copycat architecture" has overtaken many of the nations clusters. Hydar has many light industries, such as carpet manufacturing, textiles, and electronics. Hydar also has an agricultural industry around the growing of nuts and citrus. The economy remains poor with a GDP per capita of 1,200 and high inequality as the cities are far richer than the countryside. Most of the economy is under semi-state semi-private companies known as the bonyads who have management structures empowering "technicians" and give to the poor. In recent years fully private companies have been taking larger parts of the Hydari economy.

Hydar is an absolute monarchy controlled by the Sultan, although the Sultan is thought to give significant deference to the court. The court is made up of many intellectuals, the harem, theologians, older officials, and in recent years even bloggers that the Sultan appoints to advise him. The court lives with the emperor and help him create policies. Hydar has a party known as the Sons of the Sultan which all officials are required to be apart of. They have cells all over the country and engage in consultation with many of the citizens. Many local villages have a system of Majlis, and every 5 Years a National Majli is held to see the opinions of various business leaders. Hydari officials are promoted or demoted by the Sultan, often based on their performance.

Hydar is perhaps one of the most unique countries in Kesh, being both Sincized yet Islamic, with a diversity of cultures throughout. Hydar has preserved thousands of languages and cultures, while still having some of the largest cities in Anterra. The nation is also noted for its both antiquated yet modernized government system, combining centuries old palace intrigue with the realities of modern governance. It is very popular among backpacker tourists, and is one of the hottest travel destinations in Kesh. It is apart of KTEC and has strong ties with most of its neighbors despite historical tensions.