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|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
}}{{
{{quote
'''Azir''' is a kingdom in south-west [[Roshar]].{{map ref|Roshar}} Its capital is [[Azimir]].{{map ref|Roshar}} The people and language of Azir are both called the Azish.▼
| You underestimate your importance. Azir's Oathgate will be vital, and you are the strongest kingdom of the west. With Azir at our side, many other countries will join with us.
| [[Dalinar]] to [[Yanagawn]]{{book ref|sa3|56}}
}}
▲'''Azir''' is a kingdom in
== Geography ==
[[FILE:Azir and Client States.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Azir and the states of the Azish Empire on the world map]]
Azir is a land-locked state in
Like most of Makabak, Azir is rather dry and warm compared to the rest of
; Notable locations
* [[Azimir]] - the capital city of Azir. The [[Makabakam]] [[Oathgate]] is located there.
* [[Bronze Palace]] - the seat of Azish government and home of the [[Prime Aqasix]], in Azimir.
* [[Zawfix]] - a large city on the northern border, known for having shanty towns inside old mines.
==History==
=== Origins and Sadees' occupation ===
{{quote
Not much is known about the ancient history of Azir. During the [[Silver Kingdoms]] era, it was part of [[Makabakam]], the largest of the Silver Kingdoms, with [[Azimir]] likely being Makabakam's capital.{{map ref|Silver Kingdoms}} At some point, that country splintered into dozens of states that comprise modern [[Makabak]], among them Azir.{{map ref|Roshar}}▼
| They say that when the Sunmaker rode out of the passes and into Azir, he had one unexpected problem. He conquered my people too quickly, and didn't know what to do with all of his captives.
}}
▲Not much is known about the ancient history of Azir. During the [[Silver Kingdoms]] era, it was part of [[Makabakam]], the largest of the Silver Kingdoms
[[Sadees]] the Sunmaker, the infamous [[Alethkar|Alethi]] warrior, conquered Azir as part of his bid to take over the entire continent during the reign of [[Prime Aqasix]] [[Snoxil]]. The occupation was extremely violent: up to ten percent of the country's population died, many of them due to Sadees seemingly seeking to actively eradicate the Azish. In some areas, Sadees ordered a certain number of executions a day. In others, he declared all men with hair at a certain length to be killed.{{book ref|sa3|42}} Sadees rationalized this by claiming the Azish were uncivilized for not using eye color as a basis for their social hierarchy.{{book ref|sa3|65}} ▼
▲[[Sadees]] the Sunmaker, the infamous [[Alethkar|Alethi]] warrior, conquered Azir as part of his bid to take over the entire continent during the reign of [[Prime Aqasix]] [[Snoxil]]. The occupation was extremely violent: up to ten percent of the country's population died, many of them due to Sadees seemingly seeking to
Following his passing, his kingdom was split between his sons, and the Azish regained their independence.▼
▲Following
=== Era of Solitude ===
In the centuries since Sadees's conquest, Azir rose to the position of the cultural and political
The peace of the empire was broken in the final year of the [[Era of Solitude]], as the [[Assassin in White]] killed two Primes in a row, leaving the country in a succession crisis as all prospective candidates attempted to avoid the position. This ended the night that a group of thieves, including [[Lift]] and [[Gawx]], attempted to rob the [[Bronze Palace]]. After Gawx was seemingly killed, Lift
=== True Desolation ===
At the same time,
When the coalition leaders assumed that the [[Voidbringer]]s would attack [[Jah Keved]], the Azish agreed to send five
After the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]], Dalinar explained to them via [[spanreed]] what truly happened. The Azish were willing to renegotiate their participation in the alliance
==Politics==
{{quote
| Traditionally, the Azish Prime claimed to be emperor of all Makabak—a region that included over a half-dozen kingdoms and princedoms. In reality, he was king over only Azir, but Azir did cast a long, long shadow.
| [[Dalinar Kholin]]'s thoughts on Azir{{book ref|sa3|12}}
}}
=== Member states ===
The Azish Empire, despite its name, is closer in nature to a confederacy of states. It
=== Government ===
The Azish government is a bureaucracy, composed of several levels of scribes. One may join the public servant caste by passing a written exam
The highest-ranking members of the government, other than the Prime Aqasix, are the [[wikipedia: vizier|viziers]]. They serve as advisors to the Prime, with enough political pull to force their decisions on them, and are responsible for selecting a new Prime following the death of the previous
[[File:Gawx Portrait by Marie Seeberger.jpg|thumb|right|200px|<center><small>by {{a|Marie Seeberger}}</small></center> [[Yanagawn]] the First, the current [[Prime Aqasix]] ]]
=== The Prime Aqasix ===
The elected ruler of the Azish Empire bears the title of the Prime Aqasix. Their symbol of power is a traditional hat with sweeping sides called the [[Yuanazixin|Imperial Yuanazixin]].{{book ref|sa3|116}}
The Azish believe that they are never without a Prime. When a Prime dies, the election of a new one is considered as a search for the person who is, and always has been, a Prime. Any person, except for
The Prime is considered to belong to the public. Citizens can enter a lottery to watch the Prime sleep, eat, and perform other daily tasks. They can also collect and keep relics from the Prime, such as a nail clipping or a strand of hair.{{book ref|sa2|I|9}}
When the Prime issues a mandate to the public, citizens have one month to make their grievances known before being forced to comply. These grievances are often displayed as logical arguments and protests.{{book ref|sa3|65}}
===
The Azish Empire has access to foot soldiers, cavalry and fleet. Their army, though smaller than that of [[Alethkar]] or [[Jah Keved]], is still fairly impressive, and their fortifications are noted as difficult to breach.{{book ref|sa3|107}} Azish soldiers are equipped with bows, spears or poleaxes, and greatshields.{{book ref|sa1|46}}{{book ref|sa3|65}} They are armored with plated mail and colorful caps.{{book ref|sa3|65}} Their army is divided into battalions, which have both numbers and name designations, such as Red and Gold for the Thirteenth Battalion. A single battalion is comprised of about one thousand soldiers.{{book ref|sa3|96}}{{book ref|sa3|107}}
Little is known about their cavalry. Units are led by officers called cavalrylords, who wear uniforms with vivid red trousers.{{book ref|sa3|i|8}}
[[Azimir]] is the site of ancient [[Makabakam]]'s [[Oathgate]]. Presently, the gate's platform serves as the city's Grand Market, though it has been reopened by [[Lift]] during [[Dalinar Kholin]]'s visit and returned to its prior function.{{book ref|sa3|65}}▼
The Azish do not maintain a fleet of ships, as they are a land-locked country. However, [[Tashikk]] has a number of ships that are staffed partially by Azish troops and thus serve the Empire as a whole. There seem to be no battalions dedicated wholly to ship-side service; rather, select battalions rotate some of their soldiers in and out of the navy.{{book ref|sa3|107}}
Azir has several [[Shardblade]]s, known as the Imperial Shardblades. It's unknown how many of them are there or who wields them, but they can be loaned out to Empire's member states for various services. The city of [[Yeddaw]] in [[Tashikk]] was created by them.{{book ref|sa2.5|2}} Though it can be presumed that [[Azish]] have [[Shardplate]], it's unknown how many sets of it are in their hands.▼
In times of peace, the fleet's duty is to patrol "the grand waterway" — an unspecified body of water that may correspond to the river between Azir and [[Emul]] — but they are capable of further excursions, all the way to [[Thaylenah]].{{book ref|sa3|107}} The fleet possesses both smaller outriders, called scouts, and bigger warships, among them troop carriers.{{book ref|sa3|111}} The [[Prime Aqasix]] has his own dedicated vessel, smaller than the navy units.{{book ref|sa3|116}}
Azish generals wear robes and typical Western hats. The position requires passing a number of tests, and [[Dalinar]] theorizes that the officers with practical expertise tend to fail them on purpose so that they may retain field command. Azish military leaders have a poor reputation in [[Alethkar]] and are considered little more than military historians and theorists. However, the generals are actually highly practical people, and their advice is usually astute.{{book ref|sa3|42}}{{book ref|sa3|107}}
The effectiveness of the Azish military in battle against the [[Voidbringer]]s is yet to be seen.
=== Fabrials and Shards ===
▲Azir is known to have very few [[Soulcaster]]s, the most famous of which has the ability to Soulcast bronze.{{book ref|sa3|65}} Many buildings in [[Azimir]] have bronze domes, and the Prime's palace even has decorative Soulcast bronze trees.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} The country also has several [[Shardblade]]s, known as the Imperial Shardblades. It
▲
== Culture ==
[[File: Azish Public Servant Designs.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|A folio page of Azish male public servant fashion from Liafor by [[Dan dos Santos]]]]▼
=== Social Order ===
The Azish do not divide their population into [[lighteyes]] and [[darkeyes]]. In the [[Vorin]] countries, it is speculated that this is because there aren't enough pale-eyed Azish to form a self-sustainable social caste.{{book ref|sa3|42}} Rather, the Azish social hierarchy is based on education and elevation through the bureaucratic governmental system. Viziers and scribes are among the highest
Order in the country is kept by travelling lawkeepers called '''constables'''. Constables typically wear black uniforms with a double row of silver buttons in the front, and thick gloves with long collars. They seem to have the authority to capture, try, and even execute criminals. However, they cannot act against the viziers, and are not allowed to requisition the Imperial Shardblades.{{book ref|sa3|i|9}}
=== People ===
▲[[File: Azish Public Servant Designs.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|<center><small>by [[Dan dos Santos]]</small></center> A folio page of Azish male public servant fashion from
Azish people are described as being short and dark-skinned, deep brown, but not true black like some [[parshmen]].{{book ref|sa1|46}}{{book ref|sa1|53}}{{book ref|sa1|40}} Not all dark-skinned peoples are Azish, however.{{book ref|sa1|53}} The Azish people have a smooth accent, like the [[Emuli]].{{book ref|sa1|14}} Very few are light-eyed.{{book ref|sa3|42}} They are peaceful, and prefer education to war. However, in battle they use bows and spears. Most of the [[Worldsinger]] population is Azish.▼
{{quote
| Alethi liked to joke about them—insult one of their soldiers, it was said, and he'd submit a form requesting an opportunity to swear at you.
| [[Dalinar]] on the Alethi stereotypes of the Azish{{book ref|sa3|65}}
}}
▲Azish people belong to the Makabaki ethnic group, members of which can be found across the entire [[Makabak]] region.{{book ref|sa1|53}} They are described as being short and having dark
The stereotype of the Azish is that they are peaceful, prefer education to war, and adore their bureaucracy and paperwork.{{book ref|sa2|89}}{{book ref|sa3|12}} The Azish themselves consider the latter a point of pride, as the structure of their government has for many centuries prevented any major internal crisis.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} They are, however, focused on being respectful and polite. In Azir, one should not raise their voice when talking, and should always remain calm, even when angry.{{book ref|sa3|107}} Particular care is taken never to offend a guest, though this does not mean the Azish can be pushed around.{{book ref|sa3|65}} As a result, they are known for talking around the matter a lot when disagreeing with something, and never saying "no" outright.{{book ref|sa3|28}}
=== Language and Writing ===
The people of Azir speak Azish, the most widespread of the Makabaki languages, though it is possible that other languages from this family are also present.{{wob ref|3977}} Azish or Azish-adjacent words can often be recognized by the letters "x" (Kadasix, [[Snoxil]]) and "q" ([[Prime Aqasix]], [[Unoqua]]), which are far rarer outside of [[Makabak]].
The Azish have their own system of writing, separate from the various [[Vorin]] scripts. It is described as looking like little markings that resemble [[cremling]] tracks to non-speakers. Additionally, the various patterns that the Azish put on their furniture, decorations, and clothing all have distinct meanings, which can be read and understood by a trained scribe.{{book ref|sa3|65}}
=== Religion ===
The Azish religion focuses on the worship of the [[Herald]]s, known there as the '''Kadasixes'''.{{book ref|sa1|i|7}} Chief among them is [[Jezrien]]
The Azish priests, called '''scions''', are government officials. Both men and women can become one.{{book ref|sa3|12}} Their main duty appears to be taking care of the spiritual side of the bureaucracy's day-to-day workings
Unlike [[Vorin]] [[ardent]]s, scions are free men and women. In fact, becoming a high-ranking scion, or a priest-minister, is one of the highest honors for the Azish.{{book ref|sa3|12}}
Scions typically travel across the country, blessing settlements and towns. For this reason, a scion cannot become the Prime Aqasix, although they are intimately involved in the selection process. During the holy conclave that chooses a new Prime, they are called upon to ensure the spiritual purity of the selection, provide theological viewpoint on the process, and assist the viziers in picking the best candidate.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}
In contrast to
* [[Ethid]] - a [[Veristitalian]] and friend of [[Jasnah Kholin]], who studies the lives of powerful men and, later, the [[Knights Radiant]].{{book ref|sa3|53}} She participates in the Prime selection process, and gives the opening blessings to the meeting that results in [[Yanagawn]]'s crowning.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}▼
* [[Unoqua]] - the religious leader of Yanagawn's court. Along with other scions and viziers, he advises against continued alliance with [[Urithiru]].{{book ref|sa3|116}}▼
=== Clothing ===
The Azish are known for wearing vibrant, colorful clothing. They are usually seen in robes or
Despite their garish appearance, Azish fabrics seem to be quite popular even in the East. Among others, [[Dalinar Kholin]]'s childhood home was decorated with Azish rugs, and [[Alethkar|Alethi]] fashion folios feature Azish designs.{{book ref|sa2|89}}{{book ref|sa2|49}} A distinctive type of mineral dye from Azir is used to color their clothing, and is known in other nations.{{book ref|sa3|i|8}}
=== Food ===
The best-known Azish
The versatile grain crop [[tallew]] is grown in Azir.{{book ref|sa2.5|3}} They may also grow [[clema]], which is common in nearby [[Tashikk]].{{book ref|sa2.5|12}}
▲In contrast to [[Vorinism |Vorin]] countries of the East, the Azish do not seem to practice the division between sexes. Women do not wear [[safehand]]s, and men and women can be seen in both military and political positions without any indication that such is unusual.{{book ref|sa2.5|3}}{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} However, also in contrast to Vorin states, the Azish have somewhat stricter views on relationships. In a homosexual couple, one member is expected to apply for "social reassignment", and should thereafter behave - and be treated as - a member of the opposite gender.{{wob ref|1443}}{{book ref|sa3|35}}
== Notable Azish ==
{{for|:Category: Azish|more Azish citizens}}
* [[Yanagawn|Prime Aqasix Yanagawn]] - the ruler of Azir and the Azish Empire.{{book ref|sa2|
* [[
▲* [[Ethid]] - a scion, [[Veristitalian]], and friend of [[Jasnah Kholin]], who studies the lives of powerful men and, later, the [[Knights Radiant]].{{book ref|sa3|53}} She participates in the Prime selection process, and gives the opening blessings to the meeting that results in [[Yanagawn]]'s crowning.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}
▲* [[Falksi]]{{book ref|sa1|18}}
▲* [[Unoqua]] - the religious leader of Yanagawn's court. Along with other scions and viziers, he advises against continued alliance with [[Urithiru]].{{book ref|sa3|116}}
* [[Sigzil]] - a [[Worldsinger]] serving in [[Bridge Four]], and one of [[Kaladin]]'s [[squire]]s.{{book ref|sa1|40}}
* [[Warren]] - master [[Skybreaker]] under [[Nale]].{{book ref|sa3|92}}
The [[Herald]]s [[Nale]] and [[Shalash]] are both noted as looking distinctly Azish, although they far predate the country's founding.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}}{{book ref|sa3|121}}
== Trivia ==
* The Azish view of homosexuality is based on some middle-ages Indian
* The Azish government is partially based on the Chinese Confucian system.{{wob ref|1752}}
* The Azish script might be similar in appearance to [[wikipedia:cuneiform|cuneiform]].{{url ref|url=https://www.tor.com/2019/02/14/oathbringer-reread-chapter-sixty-five/ |text=Oathbringer Reread: Chapter Sixty-Five | site=Tor.com}}
* Compared to Earth countries, Azir is only slightly larger than Peru, and a bit smaller than Mongolia. The Azish Empire as a whole, on the other hand, covers about 4.455 million square kilometres of land, which would make it [[Roshar]]'s third largest state after [[Alethkar]] and [[Jah Keved]], and about a million square kilometres bigger than India.
== Notes ==
102, 107, 111, 113, 115, 116, 117, 119, 121, 122, I-8, I-13
-->
{{complete|[[User:Rasarr|Rasarr]] ([[User talk:Rasarr|talk]]) 23:43, 2 December 2019 (UTC)}}
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