Buqmatian

The Buqmatians people, also known as the Aradi-Al-Narns, are renowned for their deep devotion to the Arqmati Pantheon and the teaching of its propeht, Arqmat. His teachings permeate every aspect of their culture and history. However, this reverence has fostered a national schism. Interpretations of Arqmat's words have split the nation in two to the Wahhabiyya and the Mutakallimûn, with them being the minority, but elitist class.

People of the Aradi-Al-Narns

Dwarves hold a unique position in Buqmatians society. Though not considered close friends, their presence is ubiquitous. Every Buqmatians town boasts a dwarven quarter, and their skills are widely respected. Other foreigners are a rare sight. Keatisi face immediate hostility, while elves are met with suspicion, often accused of harboring dangerous magic.
In addition, the religious divide creates significant social and political friction. The Mutakallimûn dominate the central government and enjoy support from the more prosperous Emirates like Makistan and Nicostenia. The Wahhabiyya find strong backing in Abbashan, where their isolationist views resonate with the economically disadvantaged population. Nithia, with its rebellious spirit, remains largely outside the religious debate. This religious tension could lead to further political instability, even potential civil war.

History

Once, the Buqmatian people in the sand of Aradi-Al-Nar were once the undisputed domain of fierce nomadic tribes, known as the Takistani Tribes. However, encroaching colonization forced them to retreat deeper into the unforgiving desert. Keatisi and Bafigronian, Amerosian and sometimes Abaisgarian powers coveted the valuable coastal territories, pushing the nomads ever further inland.
The Aradi-Al-Narns are a people shaped by the harshness of their environment. They are renowned for their unwavering honor, fierce loyalty, and deep respect for tradition and wisdom. These qualities are woven into the fabric of their society. While skilled merchants and masterful orators, they are perhaps most celebrated for their courageous spirit and prowess as horsemen.

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

The Buqmatians share 4 different leisure time activities, which are more than essential to their culture:

• Storytelling: The harsh desert nights are filled with the rhythmic cadence of storytelling. Tales of past heroes, epic battles, and the wisdom of Arqmat are passed down through generations. These stories not only entertain but also serve as a way to preserve cultural heritage and transmit important values.
• Poetry: Poetry is another cherished art form. Skilled poets weave intricate verse that celebrates love, loss, heroism, and the beauty of the desert landscape. Poetry competitions are a popular form of entertainment, and the most acclaimed poets gain national recognition.
• Music and Dance: Buqmatians music is characterized by its rhythmic percussion and haunting melodies. Flutes, drums, and string instruments like the oud create a unique soundscape. Energetic dances accompany celebrations and festivals, showcasing strength, agility, and community spirit.
• Festivals: Several annual festivals celebrate important moments in Buqmatians history and religion. The "Festival of the First Harvest" gives thanks for the land's bounty. The "Day of Arqmat" commemorates the prophet's teachings and achievements. These festivals are vibrant displays of music, dance, and communal joy.

Shared customary codes and values

The Buqmatians share to the core thiese 5 aspects:

• Hospitality: In the harsh desert, offering shelter and assistance to travelers is considered a sacred duty. Refusing a weary guest is a grave offense. Hospitality extends beyond providing food and water. It's expected to treat guests with respect and offer them a safe haven for as long as they need.
• Respect for Elders: Age is revered in Buqmatians society. Elders are seen as repositories of wisdom and experience. Younger generations are expected to show deference and seek guidance from their elders. Major decisions within families and communities are often made by councils of elders.
• Fierce Independence: Shaped by their nomadic past, the Buqmatians value self-reliance and resourcefulness. They are a proud people who fiercely defend their autonomy. Outsiders are often met with suspicion, and attempts at domination are met with fierce resistance.
• Community over Individual: The well-being of the community is paramount. Individuals are expected to contribute their skills and resources for the greater good. Cooperation and social harmony are valued highly.
• Honor and Justice: Keeping one's word and upholding justice are central tenets of Buqmatians society. Conflicts are often settled through mediation or duels. Breaking one's word or displaying cowardice is considered a serious dishonor. However, many do not know, that sometimes lying in war is a way of truth in their eye and they view it as essential to survival. That is why many people view Buqmatians as thorough liars.

Common Dress code

Buqmatians artisans excel in weaving intricate tapestries and rugs. Geometric patterns inspired by desert landscapes dominate their designs, often incorporating vibrant colors like red, gold, and blue. Woven tapestries depict scenes from history, mythology, and religious stories. Silk, wool, and camel hair are the most commonly used materials.

Art & Architecture

• Metalwork: Silversmithing is a revered art form, with intricate jewelry and tableware showcasing skilled craftsmanship. Designs often feature geometric patterns or stylized depictions of animals and plants. Silver candelabras and lamps add a touch of elegance to Buqmatians homes.
• Calligraphy: The beauty of the Southern script is a source of artistic expression. Calligraphers meticulously transcribe religious texts and poetry onto parchment or carve them into wood or stone. These works adorn mosques, government buildings, and private homes.

Foods & Cuisine

The cuisine of the Buqmatians people is as diverse as their cultural landscape. Influenced by the harsh desert environment and the rich history of trade and migration, Buqmatians cuisine is a fusion of flavors, spices, and culinary techniques from various cultures.
The Main Ingredients are include grains like wheat, barley, and millet, which are used to make bread, couscous, and various porridges. Dates, figs, and olives are common fruits, while lamb, goat, and poultry are popular meats due to their suitability for the arid climate. They also like Flatbreads baked in clay ovens, often flavored with cumin and sesame seeds, accompany most meals. Nuts, like almonds and pistachios, provide additional protein and healthy fats. Spices are used sparingly such as aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon, saffron, and turmeric, which add depth and complexity to dishes. Mint, parsley, and cilantro are often used as fresh herbs to enhance the flavors, with a focus on enhancing natural flavors rather than overwhelming them. Aromatic herbs like mint and thyme add a touch of freshness.

• Takis
  This fertile region offers a wider variety of vegetables, allowing for dishes like lentil soups and roasted vegetables. Fresh cheese made from sheep's milk adds a touch of creaminess.
• Nicostenia
  Seafood features prominently in Nicostenian cuisine. Freshly caught fish is grilled, baked, or stewed in flavorful tomato-based sauces. Dates are incorporated into sweet treats like pastries and cakes.
• Medila
  The nomadic tribes of Aradi-Al-Nar rely on portable meals. Dried fruits and nuts are mixed with grains and cheese for a filling and nutritious trail mix. They excel at preserving food through techniques like salting and pickling.

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But generally, the Buqmatians are known for the Desert Staples:
In addition, the Buqmatians are known for their Tea Ceremonies as tea is an integral part of Buqmatians culture, consumed throughout the day for both pleasure and social connection. Green tea is the most common variety, often flavored with mint or cardamom. Elaborate tea ceremonies are a form of entertainment and a way to forge bonds with guests.

Coming of Age Rites

Reaching adulthood in Buqmatians society is marked by a challenging rite of passage. Young men and women, typically between the ages of 16 and 18, must embark on a solo journey into the desert. They are expected to survive on their own for a set period, facing the harsh environment and potential dangers. Upon their successful return, they are welcomed as full members of the community, taking on adult responsibilities and earning respect.
To prepare for their solo desert journey , young adults undergo rigorous training in survival skills like navigation, resourcefulness, and hunting. This not only equips them for the journey but also instills valuable life skills. The solitude fosters spiritual reflection, connection to their faith, and personal growth, guiding them towards maturity and the responsibilities of adulthood. The specific tasks and challenges within the rite vary by Emirate, reflecting the community's way of life (e.g., hunting for nomads, trade skills in cities).

Funerary and Memorial customs

The Buqmatians view death as a natural part of the life cycle, a journey to the next world. They treat their dead with respect, ensuring a smooth transition. Traditionally, bodies are wrapped in simple cloth and buried in the desert sands, marked with a rough-hewn stone or a cairn of piled rocks. Nomadic tribes, constantly on the move, may opt for simpler burials, leaving the deceased on raised platforms to be consumed by scavengers, a way to return the body to the earth.
Following a death, a period of mourning typically lasts a month. Close family members wear plain clothing and abstain from festivities. Prayers are offered for the deceased, and stories of their life are shared to keep their memory alive. Prominent figures, religious leaders, and heroes receive elaborate tombs, becoming pilgrimage sites and reminders of their legacy. Offerings like food, water, and cloth are left at these shrines to appease the spirits of the deceased.
The Buqmatians also believe their ancestors watch over them from the afterlife. Families may have small altars in their homes dedicated to these ancestors, where they offer prayers and request guidance.

Common Myths and Legends

Most reknown legends are as follow:

• The Jinn of the Sands: These mischievous spirits dwell in the dunes, capable of creating sandstorms and illusions to lead travelers astray. Some tales depict benevolent Jinn who offer guidance or assistance to those worthy of their favor.
• The Oasis of Lost Souls: A hidden oasis, shimmering in the desert heat, is said to be a trap for the greedy and wicked. Those who succumb to its allure are doomed to wander eternally as phantoms, unable to leave.
• The First Caliph's Ascension: Legends tell of Arqmat's mystical journey to the heavens. He ascended on a winged steed, riding through a dazzling constellation to receive divine wisdom. Upon his return, he shared his insights, forming the foundation of the Eternal Truth.
• The Speaking Sands: In certain sacred locations, the desert sands are said to whisper secrets to those with pure hearts. These whispers can offer guidance or warnings, but deciphering them requires deep spiritual connection and wisdom.
• The Golems of Suria: Surian legends speak of ancient golems, massive stone giants carved by a forgotten civilization. These golems are said to slumber beneath the desert, awaiting a prophesied awakening that will herald a new age.
• The Tale of the Garden in the Desert: This myth tells the story of a barren desert transformed into a lush garden paradise through the efforts of Arqmat's followers. Guided by divine inspiration and the teachings of the Eternal Truth, the people of Buqmat worked together to irrigate the arid land, plant crops, and create oases of beauty and abundance amidst the harsh desert landscape. The tale symbolizes the power of collective action, faith, and perseverance in overcoming adversity.
• The Ballad of the Lost City: According to legend, there once existed a magnificent city hidden deep within the desert sands, known for its wealth, splendor, and ancient wisdom. However, the city was cursed by a jealous deity, causing it to vanish from sight and memory, leaving only whispers and legends behind. Adventurers and treasure hunters continue to search for the lost city, hoping to uncover its secrets and treasures buried beneath the shifting sands.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

The Buqmatians value Strength and Stamina, as in a harsh environment, physical fitness is both practical and admired. A strong, toned physique is considered attractive for both men and women. Endurance and agility are valued traits.
They also value Practicality Over Frivolity, that in their taste, excessive adornment is seen as impractical and potentially ostentatious. Jewelry is worn sparingly and emphasizes craftsmanship over ostentatious displays of wealth. Makeup, if used, is subtle and focuses on enhancing natural features.

They also adorn Several Marks of Faith, which emphasize their Religious devotion is reflected in appearance. Men may wear short beards, and some women choose to cover their hair with headscarves. Henna tattoos with geometric patterns or verses from religious texts are a popular form of body decoration, particularly among women.

Gender Ideals

Buqmatian society emphasizes shared responsibilities between genders. Men traditionally act as protectors and providers, while women manage households and raise children. However, these roles are flexible. Women can participate in traditionally masculine tasks, and men can contribute to domestic duties. Respect and cooperation are paramount, with both genders working for the community's good. Leadership roles are often held by men, but women can hold positions of influence within families, communities, and even in areas like trade or religious scholarship. Nomadic life, however, fosters a more balanced approach. Women in these communities often share herding and resource management duties alongside men, while settled societies might see a clearer division of labor based on gender.

Courtship Ideals

Buqmatians traditionally have arranged marriages, prioritizing compatibility, social standing, and security. However, matchmakers consider personal preferences and love isn't entirely absent. Consent is required. Courtship varies regionally, but often involves chaperoned interactions, poetry, music, and gift-giving. Modernization, especially in cities, allows for more freedom in choosing partners, with arranged marriages becoming less prevalent.
It should also be mentioned that for nobles, espacially male and in the rare occasion female, there is the freedom of marrying several spouses.

Parent ethnicities

• Southern

Related Organizations

• The Sultans of Buqmat

Related Myths

• The White Witches

Related Locations

• Aradi-Al-Nar