Difference between revisions of "Kingdom of Casbah"

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[[File:CASBAH PALACE.jpg|350px|thumb|Casbah Palace, the seat of power in Casbah]]
 
The '''Kingdom of Casbah''' was a 2.5 acre rural [[micronation]] existing within the United States in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. It was created as a result of a border dispute between three neighbors and existed from 1996 - 2001, when the founder and ruler was forced out of his position as Maharajah by the legal owners of the farm. He briefly returned to his position of power in 2006 to wage a troll war against the Empire of Atlantium before being rendered inactive again in 2007. The property on which Casbah existed was sold by the landowners in 2012 and now rests in private hands.
The '''Kingdom of Casbah''' was a 2.5 acre rural [[micronation]] existing within the United States in Columbia County, Pennsylvania.
 
It was created by [[Grand Duke Travis|Travis McHenry]] as a result of a border dispute between three neighbors and existed from 1996 - 2001, when Travis was forced out of his position as Maharajah by the legal owners of the farm. He briefly returned to his position of power in 2006 to wage a troll war against the [[Atlantium|Empire of Atlantium]] before being rendered inactive again in 2007.
 
The property on which Casbah existed was sold by the landowners in 2012 and now rests in private hands.


==History==
==History==
[[File:CASBAH PALACE.jpg|350px|thumb|left|Casbah Palace, the seat of power in Casbah]]
===Border disputes===
===Border disputes===
In 1995, George and Mary Ann Morin, the owners of a small farmhouse in the Eastern United States notice the border markers surrounding their property have been moved by their neighbors. [[Grand Duke Travis|Travis McHenry]], a friend of the family is called to investigate the allegations privately and attempt to catch the evil neighbors in the act of desecration. Travis feels so strongly about his mission, that he creates an imrpomptu militia group. The militia is called "The Border Patrol Agency" and routinely patrols the perimeter of the farmhouse while wearing military fatigues and carrying pellet guns. To prove his seriousness, Travis places signs around the property line showing a skull and crossbones with the text "Death will result from crossing this point." No further border infractions are noted for a time.
In 1995, George and Mary Ann Morin, the owners of a small farmhouse in the Eastern United States noticed the border markers surrounding their property had been moved by their neighbors. [[Grand Duke Travis|Travis McHenry]], a friend of the family was called to investigate the allegations privately and attempt to catch the evil neighbors in the act of desecration. Travis felt so strongly about his mission that he created an imrpomptu militia group. The militia was called "The Border Patrol Agency" and routinely patrolled the perimeter of the farmhouse while wearing military fatigues and carrying pellet guns. To prove his seriousness, Travis placed signs around the property line showing a skull and crossbones with the text "Death will result from crossing this point." No further border infractions were noted for a time.


The following year, while conducting a routine patrol through the woods along the disputer border, Travis is shot at by someone with a .22 rifle. The bullet lodges in a tree directly above his head. Evidence surfaces suggesting neighbors on both sides of the farmhouse are responsible for the border incursions and the firing of the .22. Several months later, Yeller, the Sgt. at Arms of the Dogs of War division of the Border Patrol Agency mysteriously disappears and is never seen again.
The following year, while conducting a routine patrol through the woods along the disputer border, Travis was shot at by someone with a .22 rifle. The bullet lodged in a tree directly above his head. Evidence surfaced suggesting neighbors on both sides of the farmhouse were responsible for the border incursions and the firing of the .22. Several months later, Yeller, the Sergeant at Arms of the Dogs of War division of the Border Patrol Agency mysteriously disappeared and was never seen again.


===Independence===
===Independence===
In July 1997, fed up with the law's inability to mediate the border dispute, Travis convinces the owners of the farmhouse to proclaim independence and form their own governing body. The owners concede to his request and are voted "Elderstatesman and Elderstateswoman" or collectively, The Elderstatesmen. They are responsible for legislative actions in the newly proclaimed "Kingdom of Casbah." After a rigged election, Travis is proclaimed monarch of Casbah and adopts the title "Maharaja Daniel."
In July 1997, fed up with the law's inability to mediate the border dispute, Travis convinced the owners of the farmhouse to proclaim independence and form their own governing body. The owners conceded to his request and were voted "Elderstatesman and Elderstateswoman" or collectively, The Elderstatesmen. They were responsible for legislative actions in the newly proclaimed "Kingdom of Casbah." After a rigged election, Travis was proclaimed monarch of Casbah and adopted the title "Maharaja Daniel."


The Majaraja is crowned in a ceremony using a crown crafted by local artisans from an old metal lampshade and spray painted gold. His scepter at the time of his coronation was literally beaten from a plow, signifying the importance of farming in Casbah.
The Maharaja was crowned in a ceremony using a crown crafted by local artisans from an old metal lampshade and spray painted gold. His scepter at the time of his coronation was literally beaten from a plow, signifying the importance of farming in Casbah.


===Imperial era===
===Imperial era===
Starting in 1998, Maharaja Daniel presided over the first Imperial Congress comprised only of other members of the Border Patrol Agency, both of whom would later become [[Hereditary Nobility of Westarctica|nobles of Westarctica]]: [[Countess Radlinski|Jean Morin]] and [[Viscount of Whitmore|Neil Whitmoyer]]. The Elderstatesmen are left out of the Imperial Congress and become irate when the treasonous act is discovered. The "Imperial Congress" is banned from ever meeting again.
Starting in 1998, Maharaja Daniel presided over the first Imperial Congress comprised only of other members of the Border Patrol Agency, both of whom would later become [[Hereditary Nobility of Westarctica|nobles of Westarctica]]: [[Countess Radlinski|Jean Morin]] and [[Viscount of Whitmore|Neil Whitmoyer]]. The Elderstatesmen were left out of the Imperial Congress and became irate when the treasonous act was discovered. The "Imperial Congress" was banned from ever meeting again.


A month later, Maharaja Daniel institutes a new religion in Casbah, centering on the worship of the pagan deity Pan. An altar is erected complete with burning candles and a large statue of their new god. The Maharaja is to be the High Priest of this new religion. The only practicing members are the individuals involved with the outlawed Imperial Congress. The Cult of Pan is caught in the midst of practicing their bizarre ritual of Pan worship. The Elderstateswoman remarks "Not in my house!" and demands the immediate resignation of Maharaja Daniel. He concedes and disbands the Border Patrol and gives up his title and position.
A month later, Maharaja Daniel instituted a new religion in Casbah, centering on the worship of the pagan deity Pan. An altar was erected complete with burning candles and a large statue of their new god. The Maharaja was to be the High Priest of this new religion. The only practicing members were the individuals involved with the outlawed Imperial Congress. The Cult of Pan was caught in the midst of practicing their bizarre ritual of Pan worship. The Elderstateswoman remarked "Not in my house!" and demanded the immediate resignation of Maharaja Daniel. He conceded, disbanded the Border Patrol, and gave up his title and position.


===Resurrection of monarchy===
===Resurrection of monarchy===
In October 1998, the Morin's neighbors continually harass the Elderstatesmen concerning the free range of Casbah's chickens. This continued badgering drives the Elderstatesmen to allow Travis to return to his position of power, although he promises to act in a more restrained fashion.
[[File:CASBAH PRINCIPALITY.jpg|350px|thumb|Woods surrounding the Kingdom of Casbah]]
In October 1998, the Morin's neighbors continually harassed the Elderstatesmen concerning the free range of Casbah's chickens. This continued badgering drove the Elderstatesmen to allow Travis to return to his position of power, although he promised to act in a more restrained fashion.


===The Mustard Revolution===
===The Mustard Revolution===
[[File:CASBAH PRINCIPALITY.jpg|350px|thumb|Woods surrounding the Kingdom of Casbah]]
Tired of constantly blazing trails for his patrols through the orchard of Casbah, Maharaja Daniel began a campaign to destroy all the mustard weed that grew throughout Casbah. One of the members of the Border Patrol Agency, Jean Morin, could not stand to see nature destroyed and lead a rebellion against the Maharaja's campaign of destruction. The Elderstateswoman was swayed towards her daughter's opinion, and forced the Maharaja to stop destroying the mustard weed. As reparation, he was forced to establish a "mustard habitat" in Casbah, with signs to clearly mark the boundaries where the plant could grow freely. The Maharaja also had to make a short film called "Mustard is Our Future," highlighting the benefits of mustard weed and bringing Jean's crusade into the spotlight.
Tired of constantly blazing trails for his patrols through the orchard of Casbah, Maharaja Daniel begins a campaign to destroy all the mustard weed that grows throughout Casbah. One of the members of the Border Patrol Agency, Jean Morin, cannot stand to see nature destroyed and leads a rebellion against the Maharaja's campaign of destruction. The Elderstateswoman is swayed towards her daughter's opinion, and forces the Maharaja to stop destroying the mustard weed. As reparations, he must establish a "mustard habitat" in Casbah, with signs to clearly mark the boundaries where the weed can grow free. The Maharaja also had to make a short film called ''Mustard is Our Future'', highlighting the benefits of mustard weed and bringing Jean's crusade into the spotlight.


The promotional ad is well-received, but unfortunately, the footage has been lost to time.
The promotional ad was well-received, but unfortunately, the footage has been lost to time.


==Military==
==Military==
Line 73: Line 78:


===Dogs of War===
===Dogs of War===
[[File:DOGS OF WAR.jpg|350px|thumb|The Dogs of War]]
The Dogs of War was a division of the Border Patrol Agency staffed entirely by dogs. The leader of the Dogs of War held the rank Sergeant at Arms. All four of the Dogs of War were responsible for assisting with border patrol duties and they frequently accompanied the soldiers on patrols or engaged in patrols on their own.
The Dogs of War was a division of the Border Patrol Agency staffed entirely by dogs. The leader of the Dogs of War held the rank Sargent at Arms. All four of the Dogs of War were responsible for assisting with border patrol duties and they frequently accompanied the soldiers on patrols or engaged in patrols on their own.
 
Yeller, the first Sergeant at Arms of the Dogs of War, went missing in action in 1996 and is presumed dead.
[[File:DOGS OF WAR.jpg|500px|thumb|center|The Dogs of War]]
 
==Religion in Casbah==
[[File:Pan-Diety.jpg|300px|thumb|Statue of Pan. A similar statue was used in the ritual worship of Pan by the citizens of the Kingdom of Casbah in 1998.]]
Although the Elderstatesmen generally considered themselves to be Christians, the other citizens of Casbah were more liberal with their religious inclinations.
 
To take advantage of this situation, the Maharaja instituted a Cult of Pan and mandated the worship of a statue of Pan. Worship was carried out in the kitchen of Casbah Palace and was accompanied by an elaborate ritual feast whereby participants would eat small dishes of snack food (peanuts, toffee chips, and bittersweet chocolate) while giving thanks to Pan for his blessings. The feast culminated with eating the "fruit of Pans loins."


As the rituals centered around a resin garden statue of the Pan deity, there was significant debate between the members of the Cult as to whether they were worshiping the pagan god Pan or the statue itself. Most of the followers of Pan weren't comfortable with the thought of pagan idolatry, so it was generally agreed that they were worshiping the god Pan while the statue served as a physical representation of the deity.


[[Category:Micronations]]
[[Category:Micronations]]

Latest revision as of 01:05, 5 September 2021

The Kingdom of Casbah was a 2.5 acre rural micronation existing within the United States in Columbia County, Pennsylvania.

Kingdom of Casbah
Flag of Casbah.gif

Motto
Mustard is our future
Anthem
Turkey in the Straw
Capital city Casbah Palace
Official language(s) English
Short name Casbah
Government Parliamentary Monarchy
- Maharaja Maharaja Daniel
- The Elder Statesmen George and Mary Ann Morin
Legislature Imperial Congress
Established July 1997
Area claimed 2.5 acres
Population 6
National animal Chicken
Patron saint Pan

Archived Website

It was created by Travis McHenry as a result of a border dispute between three neighbors and existed from 1996 - 2001, when Travis was forced out of his position as Maharajah by the legal owners of the farm. He briefly returned to his position of power in 2006 to wage a troll war against the Empire of Atlantium before being rendered inactive again in 2007.

The property on which Casbah existed was sold by the landowners in 2012 and now rests in private hands.

History

 
Casbah Palace, the seat of power in Casbah

Border disputes

In 1995, George and Mary Ann Morin, the owners of a small farmhouse in the Eastern United States noticed the border markers surrounding their property had been moved by their neighbors. Travis McHenry, a friend of the family was called to investigate the allegations privately and attempt to catch the evil neighbors in the act of desecration. Travis felt so strongly about his mission that he created an imrpomptu militia group. The militia was called "The Border Patrol Agency" and routinely patrolled the perimeter of the farmhouse while wearing military fatigues and carrying pellet guns. To prove his seriousness, Travis placed signs around the property line showing a skull and crossbones with the text "Death will result from crossing this point." No further border infractions were noted for a time.

The following year, while conducting a routine patrol through the woods along the disputer border, Travis was shot at by someone with a .22 rifle. The bullet lodged in a tree directly above his head. Evidence surfaced suggesting neighbors on both sides of the farmhouse were responsible for the border incursions and the firing of the .22. Several months later, Yeller, the Sergeant at Arms of the Dogs of War division of the Border Patrol Agency mysteriously disappeared and was never seen again.

Independence

In July 1997, fed up with the law's inability to mediate the border dispute, Travis convinced the owners of the farmhouse to proclaim independence and form their own governing body. The owners conceded to his request and were voted "Elderstatesman and Elderstateswoman" or collectively, The Elderstatesmen. They were responsible for legislative actions in the newly proclaimed "Kingdom of Casbah." After a rigged election, Travis was proclaimed monarch of Casbah and adopted the title "Maharaja Daniel."

The Maharaja was crowned in a ceremony using a crown crafted by local artisans from an old metal lampshade and spray painted gold. His scepter at the time of his coronation was literally beaten from a plow, signifying the importance of farming in Casbah.

Imperial era

Starting in 1998, Maharaja Daniel presided over the first Imperial Congress comprised only of other members of the Border Patrol Agency, both of whom would later become nobles of Westarctica: Jean Morin and Neil Whitmoyer. The Elderstatesmen were left out of the Imperial Congress and became irate when the treasonous act was discovered. The "Imperial Congress" was banned from ever meeting again.

A month later, Maharaja Daniel instituted a new religion in Casbah, centering on the worship of the pagan deity Pan. An altar was erected complete with burning candles and a large statue of their new god. The Maharaja was to be the High Priest of this new religion. The only practicing members were the individuals involved with the outlawed Imperial Congress. The Cult of Pan was caught in the midst of practicing their bizarre ritual of Pan worship. The Elderstateswoman remarked "Not in my house!" and demanded the immediate resignation of Maharaja Daniel. He conceded, disbanded the Border Patrol, and gave up his title and position.

Resurrection of monarchy

 
Woods surrounding the Kingdom of Casbah

In October 1998, the Morin's neighbors continually harassed the Elderstatesmen concerning the free range of Casbah's chickens. This continued badgering drove the Elderstatesmen to allow Travis to return to his position of power, although he promised to act in a more restrained fashion.

The Mustard Revolution

Tired of constantly blazing trails for his patrols through the orchard of Casbah, Maharaja Daniel began a campaign to destroy all the mustard weed that grew throughout Casbah. One of the members of the Border Patrol Agency, Jean Morin, could not stand to see nature destroyed and lead a rebellion against the Maharaja's campaign of destruction. The Elderstateswoman was swayed towards her daughter's opinion, and forced the Maharaja to stop destroying the mustard weed. As reparation, he was forced to establish a "mustard habitat" in Casbah, with signs to clearly mark the boundaries where the plant could grow freely. The Maharaja also had to make a short film called "Mustard is Our Future," highlighting the benefits of mustard weed and bringing Jean's crusade into the spotlight.

The promotional ad was well-received, but unfortunately, the footage has been lost to time.

Military

The Border Patrol Agency (BPA) was the paramilitary force responsible for defending the borders of Casbah. They answered directly to the Maharaja, who also served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Agency and held the rank of General. Several members of Westarctica's Hereditary Nobility also served in the Border Patrol Agency including:

Dogs of War

The Dogs of War was a division of the Border Patrol Agency staffed entirely by dogs. The leader of the Dogs of War held the rank Sergeant at Arms. All four of the Dogs of War were responsible for assisting with border patrol duties and they frequently accompanied the soldiers on patrols or engaged in patrols on their own.

Yeller, the first Sergeant at Arms of the Dogs of War, went missing in action in 1996 and is presumed dead.

 
The Dogs of War

Religion in Casbah

 
Statue of Pan. A similar statue was used in the ritual worship of Pan by the citizens of the Kingdom of Casbah in 1998.

Although the Elderstatesmen generally considered themselves to be Christians, the other citizens of Casbah were more liberal with their religious inclinations.

To take advantage of this situation, the Maharaja instituted a Cult of Pan and mandated the worship of a statue of Pan. Worship was carried out in the kitchen of Casbah Palace and was accompanied by an elaborate ritual feast whereby participants would eat small dishes of snack food (peanuts, toffee chips, and bittersweet chocolate) while giving thanks to Pan for his blessings. The feast culminated with eating the "fruit of Pans loins."

As the rituals centered around a resin garden statue of the Pan deity, there was significant debate between the members of the Cult as to whether they were worshiping the pagan god Pan or the statue itself. Most of the followers of Pan weren't comfortable with the thought of pagan idolatry, so it was generally agreed that they were worshiping the god Pan while the statue served as a physical representation of the deity.