Shi'Kahr

Also known as Shir'Kahr or ShirKahr, legislative capital of Vulcan, located in the province of Shi'Al.

The ancient name ξyà-Laêkh'ahr - Place of The Ten - refers to the ten wells of Shi'Kahr oasis.

History

Located within reach of the Llangon Mountains and at the crossing of several important trade routes, Shi'Kahr has been fought over throughout its history. Sacked and rebuilt dozens of times before the Awakening, the city sports an eclectic mix of styles and cultures divided into quarters and neighborhoods, some still separated by walls built millennia ago.

Artisan Quarter

As might be expected, this is where some of the best artists on Vulcan can be found. Recommended shops for offworld tourists are the Vishtarya (Weaver's Market) where one may find high quality fabrics like Yel-dara Highland silks and Xir'Tan Sha'amii cashmere, but also traditional desert garments made of sturdy, lightweight materials; the Lat'ralash where musical instruments are still built in the traditional way and one may custom order anything from goatherd flutes to the famous Ka'athyra; and the quaint Solek'tam (Potter's District) which offers anything from sand sculptures to fine semi-precious stone jewelry.

The Quarter is also dotted with art galleries (more than half of them offering a variety of off-world art) and small cafes as well as antique stores.

Old Quarter

Generally regarded as the first place a market settlement was established outside the ancient fortress of Pelasht, the Quarter still retains much of its bazaar-like character. While elegant hotels and restaurants have sprung up to cater to offworld dignitaries, the original residents have taken great care to preserve the ancient designs which give the Old Quarter its unique flair.

Traditional spires and low sandstone buildings blend with ornate temples such as the famous Suta Temple which was among the first to embrace Surak's teachings. The ancient spice market is also located in the Old Quarter.

Outskirts

Sik'tael District with Spaceport in the background

Mostly a residential area, Shi'Kahr's outskirts also contain several excellent restaurants and small, specialized markets. Much of the Western part of the city took heavy damage during the attack in YS9022 (2410) and had to be rebuilt, including the Shi'Kahr spaceport. After lengthy discussions in the planetary council it was decided to leave a part of the destroyed area undeveloped and instead re-create parts of the ancient oasis as a nature preserve. By YS9026 this new preserve has already attracted a small population of the rare 'Lara' songbird and the Science Academy is considering extending the area to include a botanic garden of rare Vulcan plant species.