Valsora - The Solar Turks: Heliopolis

Heliopolis is the capital of the Solar Ottomans. It is a radiant city embodying a deep-rooted devotion to the sun. Heliopolis stands as the nation's heart and soul, epitomizing the enduring legacy of solar worship and its significant impact on the populous.

Location and Geography:

Heliopolis is strategically situated on its coastal center, overlooking the South Menotius Sea. The city's layout is meticulously planned, with its main streets and avenues aligned to capture the sun's rays at different times of the day, ensuring that the city is bathed in sunlight throughout the year. The surrounding landscape blends coastal beauty and rolling dunes with the sea, providing a stunning backdrop to the city's skyline.

Architecture and Cityscape:

The architecture of Heliopolis is a breathtaking fusion of ancient traditions and modern ingenuity, all centered around the the sun. The city's skyline is dominated by the majestic Grand Sun Temple, an architectural marvel serving as the modern spiritual epicenter of Heliolatry. The city's streets are laid out in a radial pattern, with wide boulevards and avenues radiating from the Grand Sun Temple. The buildings in Heliopolis showcase a unique blend of Turkish and solar-inspired design. Sun motifs are ubiquitous, with many structures featuring sun-shaped windows, solar discs, and golden accents. The use of light and shadow in architecture is a common theme, with buildings designed to capture and reflect the sun's rays, creating an ever-changing play of light throughout the day. The city's public spaces, such as parks and plazas, often incorporate sundials and other sun-themed sculptures.

Government and Administrative Center:

As the capital, Heliopolis is the seat of the Solar Ottoman government and the Order of the Sacred Sun. The Sunhead, Tayfur Ali, resides in the majestic Solar Palace, a grand residence with sun-inspired architecture. The palace's gardens are dotted with sun-shaped hedges and flower beds that bloom in vibrant colors. The palace serves as both an administrative center and a symbol of the unity between the state and the religious authority. The Order's headquarters, the Stellar Assembly Hall, is adjacent to the Grand Sun Temple. Here, the council of religious leaders interprets the Book of Illuminance and guides state affairs.

Cultural and Educational Institutions:

The city boasts several kingdom-renowned museums, such as the Ottoman Museum of Art and History, which showcases artifacts and artworks from various periods of Ottoman history, including ancient Heliolatry relics, and the Museum of the Sacred Sun, which is dedicated solely to the study and celebration of Heliolatry, featuring exhibits on the religion's history, sacred texts, and rituals. The National Library of Heliopolis is a treasure trove of ancient manuscripts, rare books, and scholarly works from the Islamic, Proto-Turkic, and Pre-Turkic eras. The city is also home to the University of Heliopolis, a private institution that offers degrees in Ottoman studies, theology, and solar sciences. The University of Heliopolis is special among other Solar Turk schools in having degrees for paleontology, a field of science steadily rising in popularity since the 1950s.

Daily Life and Community:

Daily life in Heliopolis revolves around the sun and its influence on the city's rhythm. Sunrise prayers are common practice, with many Ottomans gathering at the Grand Sun Temple or smaller neighborhood temples to greet the rising sun. The city's markets and bazaars buzz with activity during the day, with locals shopping for fresh produce, traditional crafts, and sun-themed souvenirs.

The Ottomans' love for the sun extends to their culinary traditions, with many dishes incorporating sun-dried fruits, spices, and local produce. Street food vendors offer a variety of treats, often prepared with ingredients that symbolize the sun's warmth and nourishment. Cafes and restaurants in Heliopolis offer a blend of traditional and contemporary cuisine, many with outdoor seating to enjoy the city's sunny climate.

Heliopolis is a walkable city. Residents prefer strolling along its sun-drenched streets or biking along the bike-preferred roads rather than relying solely on battery-powered public transportation. The city's parks and gardens are plentiful, with the largest one, the Glass Garden, acting as the meeting place for the extremely rare instances of country-to-country diplomacy.

Healthcare and Social Services:

In line with the Ottomans' religious beliefs, Heliopolis boasts the most advanced healthcare system in the kingdom. The city's hospitals and medical centers are renowned for their expertise and accessibility. The Ottomans' reverence for the sun's healing properties has led to a unique blend of traditional and modern medical practices, with some hospitals incorporating sun-inspired therapies and wellness programs. The city also has numerous community centers and social service organizations for the elderly, orphaned youth, and others in need, reflecting the Ottomans' emphasis on helping those who remain in the sun's gifted light.