Treaty of Sarq

Historical Event

Written by Fulma02

Introduction

The Treaty of Sarq is a treaty first signed on 6 February 1682 by General Maherid Dehgan as representative for the Imperial State of Norland and officials from the the Aswārān Order. It has become a document of central importance to the history, to the political constitution of the state, and to the national mythos of The Aswārān Order, and has played a major role in framing the political relations between Norland's government and the Aswārān population, especially from the late 18th century.

Background

The treaty was written at a time when the Norlandic Military, was establishing its empire and waging wars against its neighbors, and when some Aswārān leaders had petitioned the Norlandics for protection against foreign ambitions. It was drafted with the intention of establishing a non-aggression agreement between the two countries, recognising Aswārān ownership of their lands, forests and other possessions. It was intended by the Aswārān government to ensure that when the Norlandic colonization period started, the Aswārāns would not fall into the hands of Norland.

History

Overnight on the 4–5 February the original version of the treaty was translated into local Aswārān dialects. On the morning of 5 February the Aswārāns and Nardiks versions of the treaty were put before a gathering of Aswārān leaders inside a large marquee on the lawn in front of General Maherid's house at Sarq. Maherid read the treaty aloud in Nardiks and his acquaintance read the translated version of the tecy and explained each section and warned the leaders not to rush to decide whether to sign. The general spoke to one of the leaders, he said:

"This is the Mehr's act of love to you. He wants to ensure you that you keep what is yours – your property, your rights and privileges, and those things you value. Who knows when a foreign power, perhaps the Hardalans, might try to take this country? The treaty is really like a fortress to you."

Once it had been written, it was first signed by Aswārān leaders at Sarq, whre they've been invited. Copies were subsequently taken around Norland and Aswārā and over the following months many other government officials signed. Around 20 Aswārāns, at least 3 of them women, signed the Treaty, despite some Aswārān leaders cautioning against it. And on the Norlandian side, only 2 signed which included the Mehr and the Military General. An immediate result of the treaty was that Norland's government gained the sole right to obtain valuable resources from Aswārā, garner volunteer military forces, and a plethora of civilian workers.

Content of the Treaty

The text of the treaty includes a preamble and three articles. It is bilingual, with the Nardiks text translated into local Aswārān dialects.

Article one of the text grants governance rights to the Aswārāns.
Article two of the text establishes that Aswārā will retain full leadership over their lands, villages and all their treasures while the Norlandians would receive a fortune from the Aswārāns as an exchange.
Article three gives the Aswārāns full rights and protections from foreign countries.