Raphania
| Colony of Raphania | ||||
| ||||
| Motto Better to own than to be owned | ||||
| Anthem May we defend Raphania | ||||
| Arizona | ||||
| Capital city | Goree | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official language(s) | English | |||
| Short name | Raphania | |||
| Demonym | Raphanian | |||
| Government | Colonial Administration | |||
| - Sultan | Sultan Travis I | |||
| - Royal Viceroy | Prince Charles I | |||
| Established | 19 November 2022 | |||
| Area claimed | 1.42 acres | |||
| Currency | Raphanian Shekelder (Ice mark also used) | |||
| Time zone | Raphanian Standard Time | |||
| Patron saint | Archangel Raphael | |||
Official website | ||||
Raphania, formerly known as the Grand Emirate of Raphania, was a micronation made up of a 1.16 square acre property in north-eastern Arizona and another 0.32 square acre property in southern Arizona. It became a colony of Westarctica in November 2022.
Pre-Colonial history
Creation
Raphania's creation was heavily inspired by the experiences of its creator who has been a micronationalist since 2007. As such, the creator's former micronation Phokland as well as the micronation of Dracul, in which he had heavy involvement, played large parts in inspiring the nature and makeup of Raphistan as well as its institutions. Additionally, great inspiration was taken from the Republic of Molossia and the Kingdom of Calsahara, both of which are desert-based micronations operating under a similar mindset to Raphania, that being to portray themselves as a unique project of creativity all the while embracing the eccentric nature of their very existence. To a lesser extend, the Emirate also takes inspiration from the micronation of Vikesland.
The country attributed its name to the Catholic Archangel and Saint Raphael. This was chosen as the angel is Charles' Patron Saint and thus his saint's name in accordance with Catholic tradition.
Following a civil conflict with the previous regime, Raphania's government assumed operation of the nation on 12 April 2022, after the toppling of the regime of the Desert Realm of Raphistan under the leadership of Shah Alexander.
Government
The pre-colonial government of Raphistan operated under an neo-absolute monarchy with the Grand Emir serving as the head of affairs and Prime Minister (the evolved form of the previous office of the Marshal) operating as a secondary creative adviser and deputy leader within the state.
The nation possessed an advisory legislative body known as the "Tamenparli" from which the appointed members proposed and voted on laws and amendments to be presented to the Grand Emir. From this body, additional Ministers (known within Raphania as "Councilors") were appointed by the Prime Minister and monarch.
Military
Before its defeat, the Raphanian Royal Corps of Discovery (abbreviated to RRCD) served as Raphania's military/policing body. While the Grand Emir served as Commander-in-Chief by default, the Supreme Commander of the RRCD was Raphistan's former Marshal Tony the Great who also served as Prime Minister.
Colonial government
The Colony of Raphania is controlled by the Grand Duke of Westarctica, who rules as the colony's sultan. However, the day to day operations are of Raphania are managed by a Royal Viceroy bearing the title of "prince." The current viceroy is Prince Charles of Raphania.
Raphania's legal codes are limited to the Constitution of Westarctica and the Treaty of Unification Between Westarctica and Raphania, although the Royal Viceroy is authorized to pass additional ordinances as needed to maintain order in the colony.
War with Westarctica
- Main article: Westarctica-Raphania War
On 26 October 2022, Grand Emir Charles I declared war on Westarctica, citing what he believed was the country's illegal annexation of the Colony of Calsahara.
Grand Duke Travis immediately informed the Minister of Defense and directed the mobilization of the Westarctican Royal Guards in preparation for a full scale invasion of Raphanian territories. The same day, "Royal Decree RD-2022-004 War With Raphania" was issued by the Grand Duke and forwarded to Prime Minister Farmer for approval.
On 10 November 2022, Westarctica successfully occupied Raphanian territory in Operation: MOCK TORTOISE. After peace negotiations were concluded on 19 November 2022, Raphania became a colony of Westarctica.
Territory
Raphania is divided into six separate areas of administration; two official territories of land (known as Prefectures) with one being home to the colony's capital, one consulate (which serves as the de facto administrative center), two ceremonial provinces and one protectorate.
The sub-divisions which make up the prefectures consist of the regional city of Al-Aarondad, which exists as its own district of jurisdiction, and the remainder of the area, which is known as "The Frontier". Within the Homeland Prefecture, the area is subdivided between the Raphanian capital of Goree and the rest of the land, known as the "The Heartland". The capital's name is taken from the maiden name of the royal consort of Raphania, Emira Sarahann Marie Goree.
Raphania's Royal Consulate General in Arizona (also known as the Royal Compound or Royal Household) is a residence which serves as the home for the royal couple of Raphania, from where, most diplomatic receptions, state celebrations, and day-to-day government activities are conducted.
Noble titles
There are only two noble titles in the peerage of Raphania:
- Sultan of Raphania
- Prince of Raphania
Foreign Relations
Prior to invasion by Westarctica, Raphania became a party to the Conference of Santiago. Their status as a member of the conference was demoted to "observer state," thus allowing them to continue participating in conference affairs. In January 2024, this issue was rendered largely moot when Westarctica joined the conference as a full member.
Although Westarctica handles most foreign affairs of Raphania, their Treaty of Unification permits the Raphanian Royal Viceroy to manage the colony's trade relationship as well as representation in inter-micronational governmental organizations.