Haas an’Shahin Mountains

The Haas an’Shahin Mountains (Nemidi: Ζιβαλ Χαασ αν’Ϲαχιν, riadicized: Jibal Haas an’Shahin /ʒibaːl has an᾽ʃɒːhiːn/) are a mountain range in central Heberia that stands between the Jeneb and the northern regions of the continent, stretching nearly 1,000 miles across the Isthmus of Barzakh from Carman Bay to the Gulf of Shinar. The Shahin Region takes its name from the range. Its highest peak is Mount Sahab, located in northern Nemed, with an elevation of 4,339 yds.

Etymology

The name of the mountain range is derived from the Nemidic Ζιβαλ αλ Χασσαν Ϲαχιν (Jibal al Hassan Shahin), which is in turn derived from the Carmani kraliyet beyaz cahin meaning “royal white falcon.”

Geology

The Haas an’Shahin Mountains were formed over the course of millions of years, beginning in the Paleozoic Era and continuing through the Mesozoic. The final phase of their development occurred some 1.6 – 2.1 million years ago, when they were uplifted by the tectonic convergence of southern Heberia with its northern counterpart.

The mountains of the Haas an’Shahin range are rich in natural resources which have been exploited by local inhabitants for many centuries. Metal ore deposits such as iron, copper and even some silver, along with other minerals such as rock salt and phosphate have been mined since ancient times. In addition, marble quarries have long been in operation throughout the Shahin region. In modern times, the extraction of anthracite coal has steadily increased, and more recently, natural gas deposits have been discovered and are currently being developed for future extraction.

Flora and Fauna

The predominant flora of the Haas an’Shahin range are the vast forests which cover its slopes, consisting of both hardwoods such as Evergreen Oak and Carman Oak, as well as conifers such as Nemedian Fir and the highly prized Shahin Cedar, renowned since ancient times in story and song.

The dense forests of the Shahin provide habitat for a wide variety of animal life, including large predators like the Barzakh Leon, the Janubian Liopard, and the Eastern Mountain Bär, along with others like the Janubian Moncaí, the Nemedian Mountain Eilc and the Nemedian Wild Assal. Extinct species that formerly occupied the region include the Southern Heberian Elephant and the Shahin Mountain Badger.