Ryir-amoz

Ryir-amoz is the capital city, major port, and leading commercial centre of Azreana, one of the provinces of Morindira. With a city population of more than 2.3 million, and a metropolitan area population of over 3 million, Ryir-amoz is the largest city in both Azreana and the Belegaer region, ninth in Gemini Exterro. The city is one of the smallest in terms of area, but the most populated. It is situated on the southeast coast of Azreana, facing the Belegaer sea.

Ryir-amoz is one of the oldest cities founded by Arendorians. It was first established in 1515 AD, and became the capital of Arendorian Azraeon in 1552. In the 16th century, the city was attacked and burnt several times by pirates, buccaneers and Morindiran corsairs; Jacquline de Sores was the first Morindiran corsair that attacked the city. Like many colonial cities in coastal areas, the Arendorians walled the city to protect it from attacks by pirates and foreign powers. In 1814 when the Isles of Arendor were dissolved under the Treaty of Kiel, Azraeon was granted its sovereignty. The first Azraeonian Sultan, Leopold Blackburn, took power.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Ryir-amoz became a flourishing and fashionable city. Wealth and power were concentrated in the city, because of its dual role as Azraeon's capital, and as the focus of the West Exterran trading system. Ryir-amoz soon boasted much monumental architecture and prosperity amongst the burgeoning middle-class, and this led to many lavish classical mansions being erected. At the time, Ryir-amoz's theaters featured the most distinguished actors of the age; during this period, Ryir-amoz was known as the Island Imladris. Nowadays, the capital is the center of Azreana's provincial government. Like many capital cities, Ryir-amoz generates a disproportionate amount of the island's industrial output and holds the lion's share of the island's service economy.

Architecture

Ryir-amoz is unique due to its unrivalled rhythmic arcades built largely by Aridniroman immigrants. Neo-classicism affected all new buildings in Ryir-amoz and can be seen all over the city. Many urban features were introduced into the city at the time including gas public lighting in 1848 and the railroad in 1837. In the second half of the 18th century sugar and coffee production increased rapidly becoming essential in the development of Ryir-amoz's most prominent architectural style. Many wealthy Shamans took their inspiration from the ancient Morindirans; this can be seen within the interiors of upper class houses such as the Lequoia Palace built in 1844. This is considered the most important neoclassical residential building in Azraeon and typifies the design of many houses of this period with portales of neoclassical columns facing open spaces or courtyards.