Talyshstan (The Kalmar Union)

Khantate of Talyshstan
Timeline: The Kalmar Union

Flag Coat of Arms
Capital (and largest city)	Lenkaran
Language	Talysh
Khan	Khan Mirza Shafi
Population	560,000
Established	1796
Currency	TYA

The Khanate of Talyshstan, Talyshstan, is a small autocratic monarchy on the Caspian Sea and regarded as part of the Transcausasian Region. It shares its northern border with Azerbaijan while to the west and south lies the Caliphate. The capital is Lenkaran and the population is around 560,000.

The Head of State is Khan Mirza Shafi.

The official language is Talysh.

The currency is the Talysh Abbasi (TYA).

History

A valuable area thanks to its position on the South-Western Caspian coast Talyshstan has changed hands frequently as various invaders exploited the power vacuum following the destruction of the Mongol Ilkhanate in 1354.

As Persia rebelled against central rule from Baghdad (see the Afsharid Revolt) the Talysh became defiantly independent under Khalil Mirza, a sion of the Safavid Dynasty which governed portions of the Azer region on behalf of the Caliph. Khalil would given the title of Khan for his good service.

Later generations would turn against Baghdad's rule inviting Vladimir's agents to support the regime. Always eager to conspire against the Caliphate, Grand Prince Peter IV would order a permanent Vladimiri military presence which has over the years provoked many conflicts with both the Caliphate and Azerbaijan. Lenkaran suffered three brutal sieges during the various wars between Vladimir and the Caliphate.

Modern-day Talyshstan is almost totally agricultural, notable for its tea and rice plantations.

Government

The Khanate is an autocracy with no democratic activity. All political parties are banned by law.