Istanboulder

The Republic of Istanboulder, more commonly referred to as simply "Istanboulder", is a Schnozist Democratic Republic 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 on the continent of Cymru between

Day of the Ninth
This day is not much of a holiday, but more of a day of remembrance, so no Istanboulderite 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.

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 Istanboulderite 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 the Republic of 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.