Istanboulder

The Boulderist Republic of Istanboulder, more commonly referred to as simply "Istanboulder", is a Schnozist Republic Nation-State found on central Cymru. It was originally founded by the Old Guard of Boulderov on February 14th, 2021 on an abandoned VIR port given to them by Loic the Uniter, after the Great Migration from Haven.

It was re-founded by player Bagelinian Yale on January 16th, 2022, following the Fall of Old Boulderov, where its current incarnation still stands. Ironically, the land was re-given to Bagelinian Yale, again, by Loic the Uniter.

The Republic is considered a continuation, and the last bastion, of the oldest form of Boulderovian Culture and Orthodox Boulderism. It prides itself on its deep, rich history, with its people having stretched three corners of the world, constantly being steadfast in their beliefs. It will stop at nothing to bring itself back to its Golden Age, and to reclaim its homeland in Haven.

Etymology
The name "Istanboulder", comes from the ancient Boulderov settlement of its time back when the Old Guard of Boulderov first established the city, shortly before departing back to Haven.

At a first glance the name seems quite odd, if not nonsensical, but its origins contains meaning that reveals the very character of the nation. The name is hypothesized to come from two places. The first theory, albeit more popular with the simple citizens rather than intellectuals, claims that the name of the Nation comes from the mythical fictional city of 'Istanbul', a popular setting for children's books and novels of the fantasy genre. The second, much more believable theory, is that the name itself is a play on words, roughly meaning "I-Stan-Boulder", the land where one "stans", or worships, the Holy Boulder.

This is by far the most popular theory, but thanks to the unfortunate lack of historical evidence regarding Istanboulder's earliest days, the birth of this name may forever remain a mystery. We can only theorize about what the name truly holds, although our imaginations may take us in wild directions

Geography
Located in the bottom right of the map on the western coast of Cymru, Istanboulder has a wide variety of climates and biomes. The coast, including Istanboulder City, Ferrymen Fort, Nara and the former city of Harcos are located on the flat costal plains, while Xersium is in a heavily forested region, and New Pedrera is located on the mountainy coast.

Religion
Istanboulder is a majority Orthodox Boulderist religion, an ancient monotheistic form of Boulderism which firmly sticks to the core tenants of the religion and sees Bolton Yale as the messiah. Orthodox Boulderists believe that The Boulder, most gracious and most merciful, is the sole god, and that He created the world and its inhabitants to worship it. The Five Books of the Boulder are considered testimonies to the Boulder's power and are the main religious texts of Orthodox Boulderism.

It is commonly held that the Divine Books were sent down by the Holy Boulder, most gracious and most merciful, to Bolton Yale, for him to spread the Boulderist message worldwide. For this reason, the Books hold a prestigious footing in worship, with their divine rules being adhered to strictly, as religion is a main component of the Boulderovian identity. Istanboulder is far and away completely defined by its religion, being the reasoning for its original founding and an everyday fact of life. All Boulderovians are Boulderists, and all Boulderists are Boulderovians. It is impossible to have one without the other, just the way the Boulderovians like it.

Day of the Ninth
This day is not much of a holiday, but more of a day of remembrance, so no Boulderovian shall ever forget why this nation exists. The Day of the Ninth marks the historic day in which the constant mounting tensions in Old Boulderov finally exploded. This left both Bolton Yale the prophet and Tati the Scholar to resign from their positions as two of the three High Councillors of Boulderov, and to simply disappear into the wilderness. Culturally, it is marked as the date in which Old Boulderov died, and a shadow replaced it.

There are no celebrations on this day, no festivals, singing, dancing, or fun having. On this day, all citizens of Istanboulder are to simply go about their daily functions in utter silence, occasionally conversing with each other the melancholic nostalgia and old glory of Boulderov, and exchanging gifts of minor value.

When the sun sets and the moon rises to its peak, the people gather in a circle around an extinguished fire, with its embers cooled and the heat dying down. Each Boulderovian then throws a flammable item of personal value into the dying flame. The Artigas step forward and attends to the fire, slowly blowing on it and seeing that it progressively grows brighter, as the Boulderites watch in absolute silence. Only when the Artigas steps away from the flame, now a roaring bonfire, himself suddenly transformed into a joyous and ecstatic figure, may the tension of the day be relieved. The Boulderites all join in on the festivities and sing songs, dance, play games, exchange stories, and talk brightly and optimistically about the future all night long. Thus ends the Day of the Ninth.

Monthly Sumo Tournament
On the first day of each month, the Boulderovians gather for the most prestigious of their sporting events. A game comprising of a simple square ring platform raised above a pool of water, with two men placed inside at opposite ends. A Sumo match, designed to test an athletes physical ability to the extreme, and the ultimate expression of Boulderovian attitudes about combat. The goal of this game is simple, knock the other contestant off, and advance through the tournament bracket until only one remains. A best of 5 match, rounds are usually grueling slugfests, with breakneck back and forths between both contenders. The winner of a round advances in the tournament, while the loser attempts again in a losers bracket match, where they must fight their way to a second chance at victory. Tournament winners typically receive eternal fame, and a hefty paycheck to boot. The losers try their luck again next month, training all the time throughout.

These games are among the most popular of Istanboulder's events, even rivaling the celebrations on the Day of the Ninth. Sumo matches, while seemingly a fun exercise, also help young men and women train for combat. The same skills needed during a Sumo Match, athletic ability, aim in strikes, back and forth dodging, and combo'ing opponents, are all invaluable skills used during a battle. It is for this reason that Sumo matches tend to be such esteemed events, as those who succeed in the games, are likely to succeed on the battlefield.



Important Symbols
Some notable symbols of Istanboulder include;
 * Enchanted Turtle Helmet
 * A common symbol representing a great Boulderovian leader, hero, or warrior. This symbol originates from Founder Bagelinian Yale, who commonly wore nothing but a pair of diamond boots and a special Turtle Helmet, called the Helm of the Boulderite. It was enchanted with Protection 4, Unbreaking 3, and Aqua Affinity and inscribed with the following words: "There is no telling who is left and who's alive. Alone I stand on this hill of uncertainty". The meaning of this phrase is subject to much debate, but it is believed to be referencing the experiences of Bagelinian Yale himself, who upon the creation of Istanboulder and his friends sudden departure, believed he was the last true Boulderist left in the world. Regardless, the origins of this special Helmet and Bagelinian's habits are unknown, but his odd fashion choice quickly cemented itself to be a signal of prestige for Boulderovians.




 * Boulder Pendants
 * definition [WIP]

Symbolism of the Flag
The Flag of Istanboulder, while seemingly representing nothing much of importance besides a few colors here-and-there, it in itself actually contains significant meaning to the trained eye.

The Orthodox Boulderist Cross, highlights by far one of the most important aspects of the Boulderovian identity and the very foundation and pillar of them as a peoples. It is put smack dab in the middle, and rightfully so.

The Yellow, displays their relentless energy and optimism towards the future, and their mission to preserve and expand the stories they share.

The White, speaks plainly of how in Istanboulders long and storied history, even in the darkest of times, their people still went on as good men, close together as a band of brothers and generous to all.

And finally The Gray, shows their people's timeless devotion to the Culture and Religion present in the ancient place of Istanboulder. Their sturdiness and indomitable resilience weathers the storm of the world, the color on the flag intentionally being much like Stones they so revere.



Common Phrases
"Praise Thy Boulder"

Being both the motto of Old Boulderov as well as Istanboulder, this saying can be heard by most Boulderovians on a daily basis. It reflects the deep religious ties the Nation contains, as well as the citizens ardent dedication to it.