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|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
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{{update|sa4|tsm}}
{{spoilers|tsm}}
{{quote
|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.
== Geography ==
{{image|Azir and Client States.jpg|side=right|width=400px|Azir and the states of the Azish Empire on the world map}}
Azir is a land-locked state in southwestern [[Roshar]], in the geographical region known as [[Makabak]]. The largest Makabaki state, it covers an area of roughly 1,343,000 km<sup>2</sup>, making it the seventh largest nation on the planet.{{url ref|url=https://www.17thshard.com/forum/blogs/entry/634-roshar-physical-characteristics-and-areas/|text=Roshar Physical Characteristics And Areas|site=17th Shard}}
To the southeast, it is bordered by the nation of [[Emul]] along a river that serves as Azir's only way to access the sea. The smaller nations of [[Tashikk]], [[Yezier]] and [[Desh]] lay to the west, while in the north, it shares a long border with [[Yulay]].{{map ref|Roshar}}
Like most of Makabak, Azir is rather dry and warm compared to the rest of the continent, though it is still cooler than [[Iri]].{{book ref|sa1|i|5}}{{book ref|sa3|65}} There are broad plains and few rivers.{{book ref|sa2|59}}{{map ref|Roshar}} A vast mountain range stretches across the country's northern and northeastern edge, with a wide pass leading due north to Yulay. The tower-city of [[Urithiru]] is not far from Azir, in the peaks directly east of [[Azimir]].{{map ref|Roshar}}
* [[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.
* [[Zodruf]] - a town upriver from Azimir.{{map ref|Eastern Makabak}}
* [[Owd]] - a town near the Emuli border.{{map ref|Eastern Makabak}}
* [[Mazzu]] - a town in northwestern Azir.{{map ref|Eastern Makabak}}
It is unclear whether the towns [[Benru]] and [[Berqq]], which lie at the border of Azir and Yulay, are under Azir's authority or Yulay's.{{map ref|Eastern Makabak}}
==History==
=== Pre-Human Arrival ===
Before humanity arrived on Roshar from Ashyn, the land that would come to be known as Azir was inhabited by [[Singers]].{{book ref|sa3|113}} After an uncertain period of time after human arrival and settlement in present-day Shinovar, they headed an invasion, slaughtering them and expelling them from their land; claiming it as their own.{{book ref|sa3|113}} This history was lost to time until the discovery of the [[Eila Stele]].{{book ref|sa3|113}}
=== Heraldic Epochs ===
{{image|Silver Kingdoms.jpg|side=right|width=450px|Map of the Silver Kingdoms}}
{{for|Makabakam}}
Azir was founded as [[Makabakam]] in the [[Silver Kingdoms]] Epoch, settled by Ashynite emigrants who arrived on Roshar in Shinovar circa 7000 years before the [[True Desolation]],{{book ref|sa4|14}}{{book ref|sa4|111}} before eventually expanding outward and settling all across Roshar. [[Azimir]] was likely Makabakam's capital, as it contains an [[Oathgate]].{{map ref|Silver Kingdoms}}{{book ref|sa3|65}}
Due to the [[Desolation]]s, they were constantly returned back to early technological levels, often to the point to making use of stone tools. Though they advanced each time with the help of the Heralds whenever they returned, often helping them to enter into the bronze age, often receiving this assistance from [[Kalak]] and his [[Willshapers]].{{book ref|sa2|i|7}}{{book ref|sa1|part=prelude}}{{wob ref|13779}}
During the rule of [[Nohadon]], [[Alethela]] waged a war against Makabakam over trade routes, the full effects this had on both kingdoms are unknown.{{book ref|sa3|103}}
At some point following the collapse of the Silver Kingdoms, Makabakam splintered into dozens of states that comprise modern [[Makabak]], including Azir.{{map ref|Roshar}}
=== Era of Solitude ===▼
Throughout history, the Alethi attempted to conquer Azir many times, and came to be known to them as the Tagarut. Each time, they were able to fend them off. These invasions exist recorded in the form of legend, as it is from an era were historical record is slim and ambiguous.{{book ref|tsm|26}}
Legends exist which refer to a dynasty known as the [[Ulutu Dynasty]], which lasted for at least fifteen emperors. It is unclear if this was an actual historical entity, or if it exists only in legend.{{book ref|tsm|26}}
===
{{quote
|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.
}}
[[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]] in the seventh-century of the Vorin calander. The occupation was extremely violent: up to ten percent of the country's population died, many of them due to Sadees seemingly seeking to 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 that the Azish were uncivilized since they did not use [[lighteyes|eye color]] as a basis for their social hierarchy.{{book ref|sa3|65}} ▼
Following Sadees's passing, his kingdom was split between his sons. Without a true leader, the empire
▲[[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 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 that the Azish were uncivilized since they did not use [[lighteyes|eye color]] as a basis for their social hierarchy.{{book ref|sa3|65}}
==== Post-Occupation Azir ====
▲Following Sadees's passing, his kingdom was split between his sons. Without a true leader, the empire became stretched too thin,{{book ref|sa3|19}} and the Azish regained their independence.
▲=== Era of Solitude ===
In the centuries since Sadees's conquest, Azir rose to the position of the cultural and political center of [[Makabak]]. Many of the surrounding Makabaki nations became client states to it, leading to the formation of the Azish Empire — a semi-formal name for the group of states led by the [[Prime Aqasix]] in all international matters.{{book ref|sa3|12}}
=== True Desolation ===
As in the rest of Roshar, the Azish [[Parshmen]] awoke from [[slaveform]] following the arrival of the [[Everstorm]] on {{Rosharan date|1173|10|10|3}}. Initially, they followed the example of their bureaucratic former masters—instead of going to war with the government, they sued it for back pay. The Azish began negotiations, although they had no intention of giving in—rather, they sought to buy enough time to fortify their cities.{{book ref|sa3|12}}
At the same time, Azimir was exchanging messages with [[Dalinar Kholin]]'s budding coalition in [[Urithiru]].{{book ref|sa3|12}} With [[Sadees]]'s conquests still a sore memory, the Azish were initially unwilling to unlock their [[Oathgate]] or allow the Alethi armies into their city.{{book ref|sa3|28}} However, after the talks with the [[singer]]s fell through, they finally agreed, and ended up joining the coalition.{{book ref|sa3|64}} The failure with the singers might have been influenced by the arrival of the [[Fused]], who organized them into an army and took them south to [[Marat]] in preparation for the attack on [[Thaylen City]].{{book ref|sa3|107}}
When the coalition leaders assumed that the [[Voidbringer]]s would attack [[Jah Keved]], the Azish agreed to send five battalions of their troops there to aid in repelling the attack.{{book ref|sa3|96}} Later, when Thaylen City was pinpointed as the true battle site, they moved their fleet to the nearby shores to intercept the Voidbringer forces.{{book ref|sa3|111}} However, following the translation of the [[Eila Stele]] and the revelations that it spurred, the Azish backed out, along with their ships. Their resolve to abandon the others was strengthened when they saw Alethi attacking the Thaylens, as they were not aware that the Alethi forces in question were [[Amaram]]'s forces under the influence of [[Nergaoul]].{{book ref|sa3|116}}
After the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]], in {{rosharan date|1174|2}}, Dalinar explained to them via [[spanreed]] what truly happened. The Azish were willing to renegotiate their participation in the alliance on the condition that Dalinar was able to prove that he could control his troops.{{book ref|sa3|122}}
A year after the Battle of Thaylen Field, Azish armies, with the help of Alethi strategists, had recaptured some ground in northern Emul.{{book ref|sa4|17}} After Dalinar's decision to launch a major offensive in Emul several battalions of Alethi troops and some number of the troops of [[Jah Keved]] traveled to Azir via [[Oathgate]] accompanied by the [[Windrunners]] and the Alethi high command.{{book ref|sa4|27}}{{book ref|sa4|i|3}} After the defection to Odium by the troops of Jah Keved, Dalinar's army augmented by the troops of the Azish fought and eventually defeated the Veden forces.{{book ref|sa4|47}}{{book ref|sa4|50}}
==Politics==
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 through an application review process. Their high status and broad knowledge means that each Prime will often be a former vizier, as they can make their applications the most convincing.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}
In Azir, religion, the monarchy, and certain levels of bureaucracy are deeply intertwined,{{book ref|tsm|39}} to the extent that their priests are offical government officials. They are tasked with taking care of the spiritual side of the bureaucracy's day-to-day workings — they are seen blessing formal meetings and interpreting omens and events to discern the will of the Kadasixes.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} They also serve as clerks and scribes for the government. Scions can be found in all ranks of the bureaucracy, with the most influential ones serving as the members of the Prime's circle of advisors along with the [[vizier]]s.{{book ref|sa3|53}}{{book ref|sa3|116}}
{{image|Gawx Portrait by Marie Seeberger.jpg|side=right|width=200px|[[Yanagawn]] the First, the current [[Prime Aqasix]]}}
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}}
The Azish soldiers have excellent discipline, but their individual soldiers do not fight as well as Alethi.{{book ref|sa4|47}} Although their pike blocks are less mobile than Alethi, they are extremely well coordinated.{{book ref|sa4|47}}
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}} ▼
The Azish decorate their tents with lots of furniture and tapestries, they also bring many servants with them on campaign.{{book ref|sa4|101}}
Their army fights well against the singers and their disciplined infantry is a complementary addition to the Alethi's flexibility and tactics.{{book ref|sa4|47}}
=== Armaments ===
Azish soldiers are equipped with bows, spears or poleaxes, and greatshields.{{book ref|sa1|46}}{{book ref|sa3|65}}
=== Navy ===
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}}
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}}
=== Organization and Hierarchy ===
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}}▼
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
==== General ====
▲
=== Armour and Uniforms ===
Azish soldiers are armored with plated mail and colorful caps.{{book ref|sa3|65}}
Azish generals wear robes and typical Western hats.{{book ref|sa3|42}}{{book ref|sa3|107}}
Cavalrylords wear uniforms with vivid red trousers.{{book ref|sa3|i|8}}
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 is unknown how many of them are there or who wields them, but they can be loaned out to the Empire's member states for various services. The city of [[Yeddaw]] in [[Tashikk]] was created using Imperial Shardblades.{{book ref|sa2.5|2}} Though it can be presumed that the Empire also possesses [[Shardplate]], it is unknown how many sets of it are in their hands.
|[[Dalinar]] on the Azish language.{{book ref|sa3|65}}
}}
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]]. These can represent the voiceless uvular, stop, or affricate, or sometimes a uvular ejective.{{wob ref|1847}}
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]] — Yaezir in local parlance — who bears the title of the Kadasix of Kings. He is the patron of the Azish government, and the [[Prime Aqasix]] is considered his emissary to the world.{{book ref|sa3|12}} The Primes themselves have some religious significance: per the Azish doctrine, a person is born a Prime, and the election process serves merely to find who the current Prime is and give them their rightful place.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}
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 — they are seen blessing formal meetings and interpreting omens and events to discern the will of the Kadasixes.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} They also serve as clerks and scribes. Scions can be found in all ranks of the bureaucracy, with the most influential ones serving as the members of the Prime's circle of advisors along with the [[vizier]]s.{{book ref|sa3|53}}{{book ref|sa3|116}}
Due to this, religion, the monarchy, and certain levels of bureaucracy are deeply intertwined and inseparable.{{book ref|tsm|39}}
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}}
== Trivia ==
* The Azish view of homosexuality is based on some
* 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}}
102, 107, 111, 113, 115, 116, 117, 119, 121, 122, I-8, I-13
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{{Stormlight}}
[[es:Azir]]
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