The Princess of Wales’ Year in Review: June

June 1st - The Prince and Princess of Wales were present at the Marriage of The Crown Prince of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan with Miss Rajwa Al Saif which took place at the Zahran Palace. They then attended the wedding reception June 6th - The Princess of Wales visited Windsor Family Hub. That afternoon, she received Mrs. Alice Webb (Trustee of The Royal Foundation) at Windsor Castle June 7th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation and Patron of the Rugby Football Union, visited Maidenhead Rugby Football Club June 8th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation, held an Early Years Meeting June 14th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation, held an Early Years Meeting June 15th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, visited Riversley Park Children's Centre. Later, she received Professor Eamon McCrory (Board Member of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood Advisory Group) at Windsor Castle June 16th - A film was released highlighting the vital role that health visitors play in the community, which includes footage of The Princess of Wales shadowing health visiting teams at Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. That evening, the Prince of Wales, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, and The Princess of Wales, Colonel of the Irish Guards, attended the Senior Colonels' Conference and Dinner at Clarence House June 17th - The Wales family joined the extended members of the British Royal Family at The King's Birthday Parade, also known as Trooping the Colour June 19th - The Princess of Wales was present when the King, accompanied by The Queen, The Prince of Wales, and others, held a Chapter of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in the Throne Room, Windsor Castle. The King later gave a Luncheon Party for the Companions of the Most Noble Order of the Garter at which The Queen, The Prince and Princess of Wales, and others were present June 20th - The Princess of Wales, Patron of the National Portrait Gallery, officially reopened the newly renovated National Portrait Gallery June 22nd - Prince George was spotted touring Eton alongside his parents June 23rd - The Prince and Princess of Wales honoured Royal Ascot with their presence June 24th - The Princess of Wales joined Roger Federer in a video for Wimbledon, focusing on the ball boys and girls June 27th - The Princess of Wales officially opened Hope Street June 28th - The Princess of Wales, Patron of the Victoria and Albert Museum, officially reopened the newly renovated Young Victoria and Albert Museum June 29th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation, held an Early Years Meeting. Afterwards, she held further meetings. The Country Life cover photographed by the then-Duchess of Cambridge won the Cover of the Year title at the PPA Awards, the ‘Oscars’ of the magazine world June 30th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation, received Professor Eamon McCrory (Board Member of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood Advisory Group) at Windsor Castle

─ •✧ WILLIAM'S YEAR IN REVIEW : JUNE ✧• ─

1 JUNE - William and Catherine attended the Marriage of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan with Miss Rajwa Al Saif at the Zahran Palace. Afterwards, they attended the State Banquet in Hussein and Rajwa's honour. 2 JUNE - William held a Meeting with Jack Beeton, a crash survivor he helped save while he was with the air ambulance. 3 JUNE - William attended the Men's FA Cup Final between Manchester City & Manchester United. 6 JUNE - William held a Meeting to mark Pride Month. 7 JUNE - He received the Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer MP (Leader of Opposition). 8 JUNE - William was received the Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London as he opened the Oak Cancer Centre at the Royal Marsden. 10 JUNE - He took the salute at the Colonel's Review of The King's Birthday Parade. 13 JUNE - William was received by the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London as he opened Centrepoint's Reuben House housing development. Afterwards, he held a Meeting with Dr. Jayne Brady (Head of Civil Service, Northern Ireland) via telephone. Subsequently, he was joined by The Duchess of Edinburgh for the Screening of "Rhino Man". 14 JUNE - William held a Meeting with the Rt. Hon. Humza Yousaf MSP (First Minister of Scotland) via telephone. Later, he had a telephonic Meeting with the Rt. Hon. Mark Drakeford MS (First Minister of Wales). 16 JUNE - William and Catherine attended the Senior Colonels' Conference and Dinner at Clarence House. 17 JUNE - William took part in The King's Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade. Later, he appeared on the Balcony along with Catherine and their children for the RAF fly-past. 18 JUNE - William appeared in Father's Day Portraits released by Kensington Palace with George, Charlotte and Louis. 19 JUNE - William and Catherine attended a Chapter of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in the Throne Room at Windsor Castle. Afterwards, they were present at the Luncheon Party for the Companions of the Garter. Subsequently, they attended the Order of the Garter Installation Service at St George's Chapel. 20 JUNE - William visited St George's Park and was received by the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire. He wrote a letter to Oscar Burrow congratulating him for his fundraising efforts. 21 JUNE - William celebrated his 41st Birthday. To mark the day, Buckingham Palace released a Birthday Portrait featuring William and The King. He visited Eton College with Catherine and George. 22 JUNE - William received Ms Hannah Jones (Chief Executive, the Earthshot Prize). Afterwards, he held a Meeting at Windsor Castle. He appeared in a video message marking Windrush Day. A special documentary - 'Pride of Britain: A Windrush Special' with an appearance from Willliam was announced. 23 JUNE - William and Catherine attended the Ascot Races. Later, they were spotted at KOKO. 25 JUNE - William launched 'Homewards' and held a Meeting with Homewards Advocates. 26 JUNE - William appeared in a video for Homewards. He embarked on a 2-Day Homewards Launch Tour and visited Mosaic Clubhouse in London, where he was received by the Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London. Afterwards, he was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset at St John's Church Hall in Poole. Subsequently, William visited Maindee Primary School & Hill Street Housing Development and was received by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent. 27 JUNE - William visited East Belfast Mission in Belfast and was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast. Afterwards, he was received by the Lord-Lieutenant of the City of Aberdeen at the Tillydrone Community Campus. Finally, he visited Verdon Recreation Centre in Sheffield and was received by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire. 28 JUNE - William held an Investiture at Windsor Castle. 29 JUNE - He was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk at the Royal Norfolk Show. 30 JUNE - William appeared in a video for Pride Month along with Michael Lister, Alexis Caught and Sharvari Patil discussing mental health in the LGBTQ+ community. He also appeared in a video message for the 2023 Diana Award.

Official Photos: Crown Prince Hussein & Princess Rajwa Al Hussein in the Red Motorcade.

The royal red motorcade of Crown Prince Hussein & his bride Princess Rajwa departs from Zahran Palace towards Al Husseiniya Palace for reception after the completion of their wedding ceremony. The motorcade travels through different streets of the Jordanian capital, Amman, allowing thousands of Jordanians to partake in the celebration.

The newlyweds greet the public while standing in their convertible vintage white Range Rover. During the procession, some people wearing green, white and black surrounded the royal red motorcade and formed the Jordanian flag.

The procession began with songs of the Jordanian Armed Forces Band, and motorcycles were surrounding the newlyweds too. (x)

The Prince of Wales’ Court Circular entries for June 2023

Total: 28 engagements

Solo:

Public: 13

Private: 7

Joint:

Public: 5

Private: 3

Breakdown:

June 1: Attended the wedding of The Crown Prince of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan with Miss Rajwa Al Saif at the Zahran Palace, Amman, Jordan

June 3: Attended the Cup Final between Manchester City Football Club and Manchester United Football Club at Wembley Stadium, Middlesex

June 7: Received the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP (Leader of the Opposition)

June 8: Opened the Oak Cancer Centre at the Royal Marsden, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey, and was received by Major Christopher Goodwin (Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London)

June 10: Took the salute at the Colonel's Review of The King's Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade, London SW1

June 13: (3)

Opened Reuben House housing development, 54 Lugard Road, London SE15, and was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London (Sir Kenneth Olisa)

Held a Meeting with Dr. Jayne Brady (Head of Civil Service, Northern Ireland) via telephone

Attended a screening of "Rhino Man" at Battersea Power Station, London SW11

June 14: (2)

Held a Meeting with the Rt. Hon. Humza Yousaf MSP (First Minister of Scotland) via telephone

Held a Meeting with the Rt. Hon. Mark Drakeford MS (First Minister of Wales) via telephone

June 16: Attended the Senior Colonels’ Conference and Dinner at Clarence House

June 17: Attended The King's Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade

June 19: (3)

Attended a Chapter of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in the Throne Room, Windsor Castle

Attended a Luncheon Party for the Companions of the Most Noble Order of the Garter

Attended the Most Noble Order of the Garter Installation Service at St George's Chapel

June 20: Visited St George's Park, Newborough Road, Needwood, Burton upon Trent, and was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire (Mr lan Dudson)

June 22: (2)

Received Ms Hannah Jones (Chief Executive, the Earthshot Prize) at Windsor Castle

Held a Royal Foundation Meeting at Windsor Castle

June 23: Attended the Ascot Races

June 26: (4)

Visited Mosaic Clubhouse, 65 Effra Road, London SW2, and was received by Mr Christopher Wellbelove (Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London)

Visited St John's Church Hall, Surrey Road, Poole, and was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset (Mr Angus Campbell)

Visited Maindee Primary School, Rodney Road, Newport, Monmouthshire, and was received by Professor Simon Gibson (Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent)

Visited a housing development at Hill Street Car Park, 17 Park Square, Newport

June 27: (3)

Visited East Belfast Mission, Skainos Centre, 239 Newtownards Roads, Belfast, and was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast (Dame Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle)

Visited Tillydrone Community Campus, Hayton Road, Aberdeen, and was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of the City of Aberdeen (Councillor David Cameron, the Lord Provost)

Visited Verdon Recreation Centre, Verdon Street, Sheffield, and was received by Mr Anthony Pedder (Vice Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire)

June 28: Held an Investiture at Windsor Castle

June 29: Visited the Royal Norfolk Show, Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, Norfolk Showground, Dereham Road, Norwich, and was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk (the Lady Dannatt)

——————————————————————————

Current total for 2023: 101 engagements

[Occupation Forces launch raids and arrest campaigns in Al-Amari refugee camp in the central West Bank ]

🇵🇸🇮🇱 💥ISRAELI FORCES LAUNCH CONTINUED RAIDS ACROSS EAST JERUSALEM AND THE WEST BANK AS CLASHES RAGE ON💥

Even as Israeli occupation forces continue with the siege of Gaza, bombing, striking and pounding entire neighborhoods into dust in preparation for a massive ground assault, the West Bank continues to be in the grip of a cycle of violence Sunday.

Since the violence kicked off in Gaza last Saturday, 55 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank and more than 1'100 more have been wounded.

Human Rights Activist Samir Abu Shams speaking to reporters with Al Jazeera News, reminded them that the Israeli Defense Forces were in direct violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention's ban on Collective Punishment in Article 33.

“What we are seeing today is that the occupation forces enter civilian areas, create friction, and target civilians with gunfire without any justification,” the 60-year-old from Tulkarem said. “Most of the cases of Israeli gunfire have been against Palestinian civilians passing through the street or going to their place of work.”

On the one hand, Abu Shams said, Israel isolates the Gaza strip from the West Bank.

“On the other, it takes revenge on civilians in the occupied West Bank and takes measures to arm settlers and gives instructions to open fire on men, women, and children,” he said.

According to Al Jazeera News, on Friday Karem Al-Jallad was driving home from the Market to his home in the southern district, driving through the Jewish settlement of Gishuri when Israeli soldiers opened fire and Karem was hit three times in the chest, hand and shoulder.

There were five bullets on the front of Karem’s car,” his cousin Alaa al-Jallad said to Al Jazeera.

“Karem kept driving on the road until he reached the al-Safir roundabout, and from there he was transferred by ambulance to the local hospital.'

Ahmed Zahran of the Palestine Red Crescent Society in Tulkarem told Al Jazeera that Israeli soldiers shot at four civilian cars in the same area on Friday, killing one Palestinian and injuring seven others. A second Palestinian, 16, was shot on Friday and died the next day from his injuries.

“We headed there in our ambulance and saw a white Hyundai car that was shot at,” Zahran said. “The four passengers were all injured, all in serious condition.”

Zahran and his team managed to transport three victims but when they went back for the fourth Palestinian, Israeli occupation forces fired on the ambulance and medics.

“We continued our work quickly, and at the same time we received a report of gunfire at another car about 30 metres (98 feet) away from us,” Zahran said. “After identifying it, we found no casualties, only an empty car in the middle of the street, with no one in it.”

After they found Karem and transferred him to the hospital, they received a call for two more Palestinians who'd also been shot while passing by the Jewish settlement.

Countless stories like Karem's are now coming out of the West Bank and East Jerusalem as reported attacks skyrocket from not only Israeli Military, but from Israeli settlers as well.

To Abu Shams, the Human Rights Activist, these kinds of attacks by the military and settlers alike are part of a calculated effort by the Israelis to pressure and displace the Palestinian population whether that's in the West Bank, East Jerusalem or the Gaza Strip.

#FreePalestine

#source

@WorkerSolidarityNews

Jordan's future king, Saudi bride to tie the knot in palace ceremony signalling continuity of rule

"It's not just a marriage, it's the presentation of the future king of Jordan," said political analyst Amer Sabaileh. "The issue of the crown prince has been closed."

AMMAN: The future king of Jordan and an architect from Saudi Arabia linked to her country's own monarchy are getting married on Thursday in a palace celebration that introduces him to the world and emphasizes continuity in an Arab state prized for its longstanding stability.

The union of Crown Prince Hussein, 28, and Rajwa Alseif, 29, buttresses the royal family's order of succession, refreshes its image after a palace feud and may even help resource-poor Jordan forge a strategic bond with its oil-rich neighbour, Saudi Arabia.

Excitement over the nuptials — Jordan's biggest royal event in years — has been building in the capital of Amman, where congratulatory banners of Hussein and his beaming bride adorn buses and hangover winding hillside streets. Shops had competing displays of royal regalia. Royal watchers speculated about which dress designer Alseif would select— still an official secret,

Nancy Tirana, a 28-year-old law intern, said she spent the last week scrutinizing Alseif's every move and stitch of clothing.

"She's just so beautiful, so elegant, and it's clear from her body language how much she loves the queen," she said, referring to Hussein's glamorous mother, Rania. "I feel like all of Jordan is getting married," Tirana gushed as she ate mansaf, Jordan's national dish of milky mutton and rice, before heading to a wedding-themed concert.

Jordan's 11 million citizens have watched the young crown prince rise in prominence in recent years, as he increasingly joined his father, King Abdullah II, in public appearances. Hussein has graduated from Georgetown University, joined the military and gained some global recognition by speaking at the U.N.

General Assembly. His wedding, experts say, marks his next crucial rite of passage.

"It's not just a marriage, it's the presentation of the future king of Jordan," said political analyst Amer Sabaileh. "The issue of the crown prince has been closed."

The wedding may create a brief feel-good moment for Jordanians during tough economic times, including persistent youth unemployment and an ailing economy.

Palace officials have turned the event — a week after Jordan's 77th birthday — into something of a PR campaign. Combining tradition and modernity, the royal family introduced a wedding hashtag (#Celebrating Al Hussein) and omnipresent logo that fuses the couple's initials into the Arabic words "We rejoice"

Photos and reels from Alseif's henna party — a traditional pre-wedding celebration featuring the bride and her female friends and relatives — and the couple's engagement ceremony in Saudi Arabia last summer have splashed across state-linked media.

The kingdom declared Thursday a public holiday so crowds of people could gather after the wedding service to wave at the couple's motorcade of red Land Rover jeeps — a nod to the traditional procession of horse riders clad in red coats during the reign of the country's founder, King Abdullah I. Tens of thousands of well-wishers are expected to flock to free concerts and cultural events. Huge screens have been set up nationwide for crowds to watch the occasion unfold.

The signing of the marriage contract will take place at Zahran Palace in Amman, which hasn't seen such pomp and circumstance since 1993, when, on a similarly sunny June day, Abdullah married Rania, who was born in Kuwait to Palestinian parents. Decades earlier, Abdullah's father, the late King Hussein, sealed his vows in the same garden with his second wife, the British citizen Antoinette Gardiner.

An array of foreign aristocrats and dignitaries, including senior royals from Europe and Asia, as well as First Lady Jill Biden and U.S. climate envoy John Kerry have confirmed attendance. The guest list is also expected to include Saudi aristocrats, as Alseif's mother traces her roots to the influential wife of Saudi Arabia's founder, King Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Her billionaire father owns a major construction firm in the kingdom.

After the ceremony, the wedding party will move to Al Husseiniya Palace, a 30-minute drive away, for a reception, entertainment and a state banquet. The royals are expected to greet more than 1,700 guests at the reception.

Experts consider the marriage an advantageous alliance for the Hashemites, historic rivals of the Al Saud family to the east. Jordan has recently sought closer ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab petrostates, which once doled out billions of dollars to the aid-dependent country but since have reined in their spending.

Even as restaurants blared call-and-response Arabic wedding songs and cars honked in celebration downtown, some signalled the royal fairy tale was fraught as Jordanians struggle to make ends meet. Osama, a 25-year-old bookseller, was thrilled about the occasion and festooned his car and shop windows with portraits of the royal family. But he also knew reality would return quickly.

"Of course, it's joyful," he said, declining to give his last name for fear of reprisals. "But in a couple of days, we'll just go back to our problems."

I saw your requests were open so I 🥺👉🏼👈🏼 I’m not sure if you do Guy but if you do, maybe a scenario where the reader is dancing under the rain and having fun but Guy is worried for their health and is trying to coax them back in but the reader manages to pull Guy with them and start dancing together. I personally think Guy wouldn’t understand the concept or the appeal of dancing under the rain until he sees you and is dancing with you and just goes “oh” yknow 😔✊🏼 if you don’t do Guy or aren’t comfortable enough yet you could replace him with Juza/Tasuku

THIS REQUEST WAS EVERYTHING. I've wanted to write Guy for a while so this was absolutely wholesome to do, thank you Ever!

Hope you all enjoy it 💕

One soulful moment it's all it takes (Guy x Reader)

People say monotony kills the heart. Ironically, monotony is what also keeps the heart working.

It wasn’t that Guy enjoyed it per se, it's just that it was proven things got done quicker when you set up a system. It was more productive. More efficient. Waking up early every morning to practice karate was good to improve his health. Making and drinking tea also helped. Going fishing or taking care of Tsukioka’s garden had also become part of what he got used to when he started living in Mankai among other activities.

The only variant he could never seem to grasp was you.

“You should go out more!”

"I believe we are already outside."

"No- I mean, to play around, you know? Enjoy life! Nothing like a good bruise on your leg to remind you that you have a leg."

You always picked on him based on the consistency of his routines, on the rigidness of his answers. And while sometimes Guy had to admit he didn’t quite grasp the full meaning of what you said, he found you captivating, intriguing even.

Everyone around always seemed to have a smile next to you after all, and as you two got closer, Guy found himself wishing he could be half as carefree and adventurous as you.

“Come on!” You made him eat some of the food you had ordered- even though his own plate was more than enough for one person’s fill. “I can’t believe this is not making you smile. If you are not excited when you eat, you are doing something wrong.”

You always loved to try new things, which was why whenever you would suddenly appear at Mankai you would try and drag him all over Veludo. Openminded experiences, you liked to call them. It was also how Guy had gotten used to asking for places others recommended, such as the cat’s café, Veludo main acting street, or this new curry restaurant director and Usui had seemed to enjoy so much lately.

As you finished your meals and paid, you both stepped outside while making light talk. “Ah… that was spicy but delicious! Not Omi’s level though. I’ve only eaten snacks from him but I bet all his food tastes just as good. You guys are lucky.”

“Yes. He is one skilled young man even among other Zahran’s royal court's chefs I know. I have no doubt anyone that would try his cooking would think so as well.”

“Right? Anyway, I didn’t know you could handle spices so well,” you patted his arm happily. Those plates had been no joke, Chikage and Izumi were monsters. “I mean, you finished it all! I believed this was the time I was gonna see you making weird faces."

"Do you want me to?"

"No! I was joking Guy. You always take me too seriously I swear," you laughed as you both left the shopping district.

The winter member nodded, taking a mental note once again. From his early childhood memories he had always been told to be careful about everything, and was made to follow the path everyone told him to. And though there were times when he wanted to step out of the beaten path, he hadn't been much of a rebel- until Citronia left, that is. He would easily put those thoughts aside and go on doing whatever he was supposed to do.

All of a sudden a few drops fell, snapping him back in the present and made him blink surprised at the sky at the unexpected wet contact. He had seen the weathercast that morning over breakfast and it hadn’t said anything about raining.

“We should look for shelter before it becomes heavier.”

“Uh? What are you talking about?”

Guy stopped walking and met your questioning eyes, as if you truly didn’t understand what he had said. People around you both began passing by jogging with jackets, briefcases, or whatever object they might have in hand acting as umbrellas, and for a second he didn’t know how to explain it more clear. “The rain. We will get wet otherwise.”

There was a sound of thunder in the distance, which made people speed up their walking pace. Not you though.

“I know." you shrugged. "Still can’t see the problem.”

As the raindrops started to make their way through you, causing you to get wet, you stepped away from him, welcoming the cool drink from the clouds.

“Y/N? Where are you going?” he called out to you when you started moving around in circles.

The unaware worry tinted in his expression resonated in your mind. In time, you were able to control yourself enough to let out a snort of a laugh. "Nowhere. I'm dancing silly!" you replied, your voice high with joy and arms open up in the sky. "The rain feels good. I love to walk and dance in it. Don’t tell me you’ve never done this."

“But you will get sick.”

“Oh come on, healing rain is real!”

“Is that so.”

“Yeah! It can be physical healing or emotional or whatever you want it to.” You smiled. Your movements were rusty under the slow and endless drizzle, making jumpings and turns here and there. “It washes your sins away.”

Guy kept staring not entirely convinced. As much as he saw you enjoying yourself moving around in the rain, he had seen Tsukioka and a few other members from Mankai get sick just from running under in the rain on their way back home and all in all, he still didn't fully understand the point of what you were doing.

“It doesn’t seem very conclusive.” He looked around, trying to look for any shop that might sell umbrellas. Without any result he turned to you once again, rain getting heavier as you two talked. “If you wish to feel water running under you a shower could work as well, although I admit the space is considerably different if you decided to dance.”

“Oh for the love of-" you ran up to him, grabbing his elbow and forcing him to come out of the somewhat safe roof he had been guarding himself against since you had left him laughing. “Just come here. Now close your eyes and enjoy the music!”

He followed your instructions and stayed in silence for a few seconds, then he opened them. “There’s no music Y/N.”

“Of course there is! Try closing them again and pay attention.”

He followed your suggestion once again.

All was silent as before- All silent save the dripping rain. Then, as the breathful afternoon melted slowly and the cold caress of fresh air lapped up, Guy started to feel the drops around him. And while they were not synchronized, they created a sound worth listening to.

As you had indicated, he tried to let go of his inhibitions, allowing the rain to wash away the thoughts that had been roaming on his mind After a while he opened his eyes slightly, confused at the sudden feeling emerging within him. It was also when he found you still there, not having moved yet, smiling brightly -as the now hidden sun in front of him.

Ah. He didn’t know exactly why or how it had happened, but the connection between you was different from anything he had felt before.

“…I believe I am now listening to the music you spoke of.”

Sometimes one finds joy in the small and simple things. It could be the scent of the rain, the taste of your favorite food... others, it was the sound of a loved one's voice.

“What do you think Guy?”

He never wanted anything so much than to drown in your love and feel the rain, however his eyes trailer over you, before silently stepping back instead. The sudden action made you tilt your head confused. You knew Zahfra wasn't that much of a humid place so it would make sense he might not be as comfortable as it was for other people to stand in the middle of the rain.

“Guy-”

“Y/N-"

You chuckled at how you both said each other names so suddenly. Just like in the movies. “You go first.”

He stared gaze at your figure for a second, before offering his right hand. Rain kept falling under you, no one else in sight. Just you, Guy, and the sound of rain.

“May I have this dance?”

As if it was possible, your eyes lighted up brighter than they had on the whole day, which surprised Guy to an extent. With a beaming smile you nodded, and so he took a step towards you. He wrapped his hands around you and pulled you slightly closer. The thunderbolts made your body shiver while you wrapped your arms around his neck. He could feel your every breath, and with every breath, your own heartbeats pumped faster.

A good lead should be soft yet subtle, stating their intentions by moving themselves, inviting their partners to follow along. Guy was alert, eyes scanning the surroundings ahead of him, watching traffic, other people, but also aware of what was happening right in his arms.

He treated your follow with respect, never forcing any movement. If he led a step or a pattern and you interpreted the movement differently than he had intended, he adapted to you rather than forcing change. He wanted to give you a sense of security, knowing you could fully depend on his lead the way he had learned to dance, however after a few clumsy fails followed by your laugh, he soon discovered it didn't matter how you both danced, just that you did.

“I think you know me better than I know myself.” He broke the silence after a while. You smiled.

“I’m not going to deny that.”

“I wish I could repay you for that, somehow.”

Laughing again you adjusted yourself so you could look up at him. His astonishingly beautiful green orbs finding yours once again, filled with overwhelming love and safety. “You are doing it right now.”

The corner of his eyes softened.

There were many things he had tried to chase away. Things he couldn’t remember, and others he didn’t let himself think about. Right now he was living, and nothing else seemed to matter anymore. He allowed you to take him anywhere you pleased on that made-up dance floor under the rain. You went right, he went right. You sped up, he sped up. Having you there, next to him like this, made him think about just how lucky he had become.

“…You are beautiful,” he whispered, touching your cheek with care, clearing the strands of wet hair that had gotten in the way.

You held on to him tighter.

“You are beautiful too.” You smiled, noses touching. Rain still falling over you both. “Didn't I tell you? That dancing in the rain deserved getting a cold.”

______________________________________________________

Wishing you all a wonderful day! 💕

Citron and Tsumugi chilling together

certainly a rare pair of ppl www let's see...

The first couple of times alone pre-rookies, they talked a lot abt Zahran/Japanese culture!

Post-rookies, they talked a lot abt Guy. Mostly Citron asking how he's adjusting to Winter Troupe and Tsumugi very happily talking abt the Winter rookie wwww

They're the dorm gossips. "the walls have citron" + "everyone trusts him" tsumu = they know a Lot of things abt the others lol

"ah, did you know that today, taichi-kun..." "oh! tsumugi! today i saw tasuku--"

Their street acts together are phenomenal. It's either going to be a very Winter-esque drama or other or some surreal comedy about the horrors of the supermarket's deli section

Citron's the one who informs Tsumugi abt new cafes! The old ladies at the market like to brag abt knowing the best hole-in-the-wall spots

A lot of fun study dates! Tsumugi helps Citron w the harder Japanese phrases and words. Citron likes to test them out by taking Tsumu arnd the market getting treats and talking w everyone, trying his best to use the new words he's learned thnx to Tsumu's help

They're very positive people who are also down-to-earth while also capable of letting loose and being absolutely hilarious in the best ways.

EGGciting ♪ Zahra Travelogue: Banri Practice conversations

“I kinda like this feeling, like being on a shopping date overseas with you.“

Banri

Wow talk about crazy requests, Sakyo just told me that we’re going to Zahra for our training camp.

Ehh, well I guess I wanna go too. I am looking forward to it.

Those other guys keep saying they wanna do this and that, our whole dorm’s become pretty obsessed with Zahra.

Seems like theatre is pretty popular over there, I bet tons of people will probably show up to see a foreign acting troupe. Guess we’ll also get to learn a thing or two.

We’ll probably go shopping with our free time. Ya wanna come along, director?

Yea, yea, I got it I got it. We’ll get what we gotta get done first and thennnn we’ll go, let’s do it.

Banri

This afternoon, my troupe all went to go see a Zahran play.

We looked up the summary beforehand. We didn’t understand a word they said, but it was pretty fun, we learned a bit too.

The play included some Zahran music with dancing and even some martial arts, it was pretty impressive.

And of course Azami was fascinated with the unique make up style.

He mentioned something about wanting to know more about how they did their make up. It sounded like he was going to ask Guy if he could ask the actors about it.

He bought a lot of cosmetics too, he seemed pretty excited.

It really doesn’t take much for us to have a good time, seemed like everyone has been looking forward to this trip.

Banri

Woooow.... This market is pretty big. There are so many different kinds of handmade trinkets and accessories.

Haha, what an unusual little nick-nack. Oh, they got clothes over here.

Hey director, that hat looks like your style, right? Here, try it.

Oh, niceeee. You look pretty cute.

I kinda like this feeling, like being on a shopping date overseas with you.

Honestly, it’s not half bad doing this training camp with everyone else but... Next time it would be nice if we could just go on a trip together. Just the two of us.

Well, there are quite a few places I’d like to go. I think I’d like to go overseas and see some plays, let’s go together next time.

Banri

Hey, let’s do a street act in the plaza today. We can’t use our words, so let’s think about how we can express ourselves through our gestures.

As for a theme hmm....

Misumi

Got it! Let’s do a play about Japanese triangles~!

Banri

Uhh Japanese triangles?

Misumi

Like onigiri~ Mt. Fuji~ there are a lot! I’ll lead! Let’s start!

Banri

Hey! Ugh, whatever.... let’s just try it then.

Misumi

Thanks for watching~!

Banri

Wow, can’t believe we got so many laughs outta that.

Misumi

Everyone loves triangles too! There are so many great triangles in Zahra too~!

Everyone, please come to Japan, you can look for more triangles there! TRIANGLES TRIANGLES~!

Onlooker

TRIANGLES, TRIANGLES~!

Banri 

I am glad we got such a great response, but I don’t really want people to think Japan some triangle-filled country or something.

Ohio: Muslim sentenced for illegal halal slaughterhouse and discharge of animals into waterways

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Westlake man sentenced for illegal slaughter and discharge of animals

Justin Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, announced today that Amin M. Salem, age 61, of Westlake, was sentenced to 33-months imprisonment after entering a plea of guilty to money laundering, unpermitted discharged into a waterway of the United States, and the slaughter of animals for commercial use without a permit on December 17, 2019. According to court documents, Amin Salem operated an unregulated slaughterhouse in Elyria and polluted a stream by dumping animal blood and other fluids. Salem then laundered the profits from the illegal slaughterhouse operation at Cleveland-area gas stations. 

"Salem's blatant disregard for the rules and regulations governing our food and water supply put the health of countless people at risk, all so he could make a quick profit," said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. "These actions, combined with his admitted money laundering activities, all show that Salem's sentenced was earned and justified."

“Amin Salem attempted to conceal the profits from the illegal sale of lamb through his legitimate gas station bank accounts, but the financial expertise of IRS Criminal Investigation and the joint investigative efforts of our federal, state and local counterparts unraveled this money laundering scheme,” said Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.

“The defendants blatantly disregarded environmental laws by discharging animal waste directly into a local stream,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Lynn of EPA’s criminal investigation program in Ohio. “This sentencing demonstrates that EPA and its law enforcement partners will not tolerate actions that endanger communities and natural resources.”

According to the indictment, from September 2014 through March 2016, Salem owned two properties in Elyria, Ohio where he, and others, slaughtered animals for commercial sale and personal consumption without any licenses or permits. As part of the slaughterhouse operation, Salem discharged blood and other bodily fluids into Engle Ditch, a waterway that emptied into Beaver Creek and Lake Eire. In total, Salem slaughtered at least 400 lambs or goats weighing approximately 25,000 pounds.

From October 2010 through March 2016, Salem owned several Cleveland area gas stations where he sold his adulterated and uninspected meat. Proceeds from the sales of the meat were deposited into gas station bank accounts in an attempt to conceal their source and further facilitate the illegal slaughtering operation. In total, over $695,000 was deposited into the banks accounts for the gas station located at 3934 West 117th Street in Cleveland, Ohio, with approximately $88,000 coming from the illegal sale of meat.

Also indicted in this matter were Mohamed Salem (Amin Salem's son), age 34, of Westlake and Zahran Al-Qadan, age 57, of Cleveland. Al-Qadan was sentenced to two years of probation, the first four months as home confinement. Mohamed Salem is awaiting sentencing.

This case was investigated by the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigations, USDA-OIG, USDA-FSIS, EPA-CID, Ohio Investigative Unit, Ohio Department of Taxation, Ohio Department of Agriculture, BCI, Ohio EPA, Lorain County Sheriff's Office, Guernsey County Sheriff's Department, Cleveland Division of Police, Westlake Police Department and Strongsville Police Department.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Duncan Brown and Brad Beeson.

--------------------------

Back story: Ohio: Muslim and Son Arrested in $2.7M Food Stamp Fraud and Running Illegal Slaughterhouse

Diversity alert!

Source: Westlake Man Accused Of Running Illegal Slaughterhouse | Westlake, OH Patch

WESTLAKE, OH — A Westlake man is being accused of running an illegal slaughterhouse and dumping animal blood into a stream, polluting the water. He is also accused of engaging in food stamp fraud.

The indictments against Amin Salem, 59, of Westlake, said he owned several Cleveland-area gas stations. The gas stations reportedly accepted Electronic Benefits Transactions (EBT), as part of the SNAP program (formerly called food stamps). Amin’s son, Mohamed, managed the gas station’s benefits on behalf of his father, the indictments said.

Both the gas stations and the EBT terminals were in the Mohamed’s name, because Amin had been previously convicted of food stamp fraud and related crimes, the Department of Justice said. The indictments said the gas station terminals were used by both Salems to process more than $2.7 million in fraudulent SNAP transactions between 2010 and 2016.

Salem is also accused of slaughtering lambs and goats at his property on Stang Road in 2015 and 2016. The indictments said he then sold the meat, without inspection. He also caused the discharge of blood and other bodily fluids, from the slaughtered animals, into Engle Ditch, which flows into the Black River and then Lake Erie, the indictments said.

“The defendant is alleged to have illegally discharged waste from an animal slaughtering operation into a local stream,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Lynn of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Ohio. “This case demonstrates that EPA and its law enforcement partners will pursue those who violate laws designed to protect the health of our communities and the environment.”

Mohamed then sold the meat, letting customers pay for the uninspected lamb and goat using SNAP cards, the indictment said. The money was then deposited into accounts controlled by the Salems.

Salem was indicted on one count each of conspiracy to launder money and engaging in real estate transactions using laundered funds. He is also being charged with making unpermitted discharges into a waterway, one count of distribution of adulterated, misbranded, or uninspected meat and one count of being in possession of a stolen firearm.

Amin’s son, Mohamed, is also being charged with trafficking in counterfeit goods.

The Department of Justice said Salem has a history of food stamp fraud, and some of his charges stem from accepting food stamps at Cleveland-area gas stations and then laundering profits.

“This father and son duo engaged in various illegalities to include stealing from every taxpaying citizen by engaging in food stamp fraud, a program designed to help those in need,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Hughes. “Salem put others at risk by selling unsanitary, unregulated food. The FBI will continue to work with our federal and local law enforcement partners to ensure fraudsters like these are held accountable.”

But the FBI and other government agencies are doing nothing. The Salem’s are repeat offenders who still own multiple properties from which they commit their fraudulent activities to plunder taxpayers.

via Diseased meat may have been sold to at least four businesses

Several gas station managers across Cleveland seemed to be confused yesterday when federal agents stormed their businesses unannounced.

But what they may also have in common are Amin and Mohamed Salem, a father and son, who own many of those stations and who are once again at the center of a federal investigation.

Documents released Thursday reveal that they are being looked at for illegally processing food stamps.

They are also suspected of illegally processing food, by running a slaughterhouse in Lorain County that allegedly sold diseased meat to at least four local businesses.

According to an affidavit, the family owns dozens of acres in Elyria which include a farm on Stang Road where federal agents found two slaughtered lambs earlier this year.

Investigators believe the Salems sold their meat to Kan Zaman Restaurant on West 25th Street, Kebab Station on Lorain Road in Cleveland, the Yahala Bakery and Grill in North Olmsted, and the Olive Tree Food Corporation in North Olmsted.

Yet Olive Tree’s owner tells WKYC Channel 3 News that it must be a mistake, since she claims their meat comes from Columbus and not Elyria.

“It is wrong, we never have meat from them,” she said. “It is a surprise.”

She believes the father and son own the building they rent, which might explain how her store ended up in the affidavit.

Sam, who owns the Yahala Bakery and Grill across the street, tells Channel 3 News that his meat comes from Michigan.

The affidavit states the father and son obtained their livestock from a farm in Quaker City, Ohio and indicates they may have purchased as many as 525 sheep there.

Amin Salem has already served time twice for tampering with the food stamp program.

His family owns at least 7 gas stations across Cleveland in addition to 4 farms in Lorain County.

----------------------------------------

Not the first or only illegal halal slaughter and food stamp fraud by Muslims in Ohio.

Ohio: Muslim charged in illegal halal slaughterhouse, dumping animal blood in waterways

Mahmoud Abukhalil, a Lakewood resident, and Bernard Whiting, who lives in Cleveland, are charged with causing un-permitted discharges into a waterway, as well as slaughtering animals for commercial use without a permit.

Social Media Bias is Real. Please Click & Share.

While stating the obvious that Jordan is “Palestine” Mudar attacks the EU for being accomplices in championing the “Palestinians” at Israel’s expense. He says the truth in attacking the EU for being hypocrites and using the “Palestinians” in their desire to harm Israel.

Jordan and Lebanon are for more discriminatory as well as the PA to the “Palestinian” on the street than Israel is.

Mudar goes on to claim that it is Israel who is the best hope for the “Palestinian” people. “Why would you destroy our best hope?”

Mudar’s stance has caused his family and clan to suffer horrendously in Jordan and the PA, but it is precisely people like Mudar who are bringing peace – not the EU.

Watch the video here.

─ •✧ CATHERINE'S YEAR IN REVIEW : JUNE ✧• ─

1 JUNE - Catherine and William attended the Marriage of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan with Miss Rajwa Al Saif at the Zahran Palace. Afterwards, they attended the State Banquet in Hussein and Rajwa's honour. 6 JUNE - Catherine was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire (Mr. James Puxley) at Windsor Family Hub. Afterwards, she visited the Bedlom Family Home. Subsequently, Catherine received Mrs. Alice Webb (Trustee, Royal Foundation). 7 JUNE - She paid a visit to Maidenhead Rugby Football Club in Berkshire. 8 JUNE - Catherine held an Early Years Meeting. 13 JUNE - Catherine held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor Castle. 15 JUNE - Catherine visited Riversley Park Children's Centre in Nuneaton and was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Warwickshire (Mr. Timothy Cox). Subsequently, she received Professor Eamon McCrory (Board Member, the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood Advisory Group) at Windsor Castle. 16 JUNE - Kensington Palace released a video about the work done by Health Visitors. Later, in the evening, William and her attended the Senior Colonels' Conference and Dinner at Clarence House. 17 JUNE - Catherine, William and their children took part in The King's Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade. Later, they appeared on the Balcony along for the RAF Fly-past. 18 JUNE - Catherine wrote a letter to East Anglia's Children's Hospices to mark Children's Hospice Week. 19 JUNE - Catherine and William attended a Chapter of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in the Throne Room at Windsor Castle. Afterwards, they were present at the Luncheon Party for the Companions of the Garter. Subsequently, they attended the Order of the Garter Installation Service at St George's Chapel. 20 JUNE - Catherine was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London (Sir Kenneth Olisa) as she officially reopened the newly renovated National Portrait Gallery. 21 JUNE - Cathetine visited Eton College with William and George. 23 JUNE - Catherine and William attended the Ascot Races. Later, they were spotted at KOKO. 25 JUNE - Catherine appeared in a video about Wimbledon's Ball Boys and Girls along with Roger Federer. 28 JUNE - Catherine officially opened Hope Street in Southampton where she was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire (Mr. Nigel Atkinson). 28 JUNE - Catherine officially reopened the newly renovated Young Victoria and Albert Museum and was received by Colonel Jane Davis (Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London). 29 JUNE - Catherine held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor Castle. Subsequently she held further Meetings. 30 JUNE - She received Professor Eamon McCrory (Board Member, the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood Advisory Group) at Windsor Castle.

Free concert, other celebrations in Jordan ahead of kingdom's first major royal wedding in years. Several thousand cheering and flag-waving Jordanians packed a sports stadium for a free concert in the capital of Amman as part of celebrations leading up the kingdom's first major royal wedding in years.

Crown Prince Hussein, 28, is to marry Saudi architect Rajwa Alseif, 29, on Thursday at Zahran Palace in downtown Amman, the same wedding venue previously chosen by the prince's father, King Abdullah II, and his grandfather, the late King Hussein.

Designed to convey a sense of continuity, Thursday's ceremony is expected to include some of the same features as previous royal weddings, including a motorcade of red Land Rover jeeps escorting the couple through the streets of Amman after the ceremony.

Celebrations kicked off last week with a henna party for Alseif, hosted by Jordan's Queen Rania and attended by several hundred women. Alseif has a degree in architecture, and has lived and worked in Los Angeles. Her father is a founder of one of Saudi Arabia's largest engineering firms, and her mother is a relative of Saudi King Salman.

On Monday evening, several thousand young Jordanians attended a free concert at Amman International Stadium. Performers included well-known Arab singers, including Egypt’s Tamer Hosny.

Midway through his set, Hosny took his performance offstage and walked while singing towards the stands. With call and response, he encouraged the crowd to sing along.

“For his excellency the beloved crown prince let’s hear a huge round of applause,” Hosny said while surrounded by a roving entourage in the stadium.

Friends Rahma Beljas and Shireen Shirbati, both 18, were all smiles during the concert in the stadium where they both train as competitive runners.

Beljas said that while they were enjoying the night’s festivities, more was to come. “This Thursday we’ll celebrate even more.”

Associated Press journalist Sam McNeil in Amman contributed to this report. By KARIN LAUB - Associated Press

ACTOR PROFILE: HARUMA 하루마

Name: Otsuka Haruma [大塚春馬], Korean name Han Taeyang [한���양] Position: Stage actor and model Birthdate: 2000.07.07 Hometown: Fukuoka, Japan

Height: 189cm Blood Type: AB Hobbies: Performing on stage, dancing, traveling, meeting people from all over the world Dream: To be able to connect Zahra and Japan and bring the two countries together in theatre and song

Family: mother, Han Wooyoung (father) Ethnicity: Zainichi Korean/Japanese Face Claim: Park Seonghwa (ATEEZ)

Strengths: Performance, acting, variety shows/personality, adjusting to new cultures and interacting with people from all over the world

Weaknesses: Very firm in his beliefs and can come off as condesending, hypocritical at times, bad temper mostly caused from his PTSD in the military

Brief personality summary: Haruma was raised by his very conservative mother and his personality reflects that. He tends to be closed minded, esp when it comes to minority groups (despite being a gay Korean man who was raised in Japan and studied in Zahra, but don’t tell him that). He tends to come off as condescending and it can be difficult to tell when he is teasing or is actually angry. He is easy to get along if he likes you, but otherwise he can be a bit of a dick.

Haruma was born in Fukuoka and from there lived a normal life. His father was a linguist and was working with a language institute in Zahra. His parents separated not too long after he started to attend school so he didn’t really see his father during his childhood. Haruma was raised by his conservative mother in their small Korean community in Japan.

When it was time to go to high school, Haruma decided he wanted to visit his father and so he applied to a Zahran performing arts school. He was accepted and lived with his father in Zahra. There he learned Zahran and studied theatre. Haruma wanted to remain in Zahra and decided to enlist in the military so he would be able to attend Zahran university. He was in the military for 18th months before enrolling in university.

Right after his first year of Zahran university, he flew back to Japan to compete in P101, however he was only on the show 1 month before his elimination. Since he had already withdrawn from university, he knew he would either need to attend university in Japan or somehow convince his father to let him return to Zahra. He decided to live on the streets and busk for a living instead. Needless to say it was not that successful, however Haruma was scouted by Mankai after just two months of not very successful street acts.

Haruma works as a stage actor under Mankai Company’s Summer Troupe as well as a model under Wonderlust Entertainment.

During his time at Mankai, Haruma meets Guy, a former royal servant and member of Winter Troupe. Fellow Mankai member and former Zahran prince, Citron, convinces Guy to court Haruma. The two agree and Haruma and Guy have a short 2 month courtship until they are married in Zahra. Haruma is happily married to Guy and the two live a nice life at Mankai.

EGGciting ♪ Zahra Travelogue: Event Summary TL:DR

Spoilers, obviously. I wanna summarise the event/organise the new facts we know about Zahra! All of my facts are linked, so you can click on the words to see where they appear in the main story. 

** This is just my take from this event, there are tons more facts/info so feel free to read through the stories on the master index here!

Event Summary

Mankai Receives 3 letters from Zahra, one is addressed to Guy, from Mika

Mankai travels to Zahra for their training camp

Sakuya is intrigued by Zahran books and the Zahran culture so Guy shows him the royal library and Sakuya takes the book “The Gift From God”

The troupe splits into 3 groups and they each perform in a different area of Zahra, they also converse with the locals

Izumi goes with Guy’s group to the jasmine fields and they meet Sam, the head of the field

Sam drops hints that people in Zahra wish that Guy would return

Later, Kumon and Sakuya see Guy speaking with palace officials outside ~mysterious~ and handing over a letter

Tangerine comes running to Mankai at dinner to tell them Mika has gone missing

Guy goes to find Mika and Mika admits that he ran because he felt ashamed of himself and did not feel worthy to stand beside Tangerine, the letter was not written by Mika but by one of Guy and Citron’s past subordinates

Mika apologises to Tangerine and Tangerine accepts, they swear loyalty to each other

Mankai plans to put on a play, Sakuya suggests to use the story from “The Gift of God” because it is easy to understand

The play is a success and Sakuya gives a speech in Zahran, the King of Zahra accepts Guy’s new chosen path in life as an actor

Zahra culture and country facts

There is a “night mosque” in Zahra that is a popular tourist destination

There is a popular sweet that is apparently super sweet, so sweet Kumon can’t eat it

Jasmine is the national flower of Zahra, they grow their own jasmine flowers and use it to make tea, perfume, and sweets.

Putting a jasmine flower in a tea cup is a sign of gratitude

“The Gift from God” is a well-known folktale from Zahra

Zahra has many rare spices

The Zahran royal family has dark secrets..... and Kumon is interested

There is a street food item that looks like a Jalebi which is seen in Yuki’s card CG

Character and relationships

Guy and Citron were popular when they lived together in Zahra

The other adults in the palace do not trust Mika

Tangerine and Mika have sworn their loyalty to each other and will never leave each other’s sides

Kumon has already admitted to Juza that he does not have a sweet tooth (note. this is something that had made him uncomfortable in the past, he expressed it to Chikage in their Outside Work conversation)

Citron prepares Zahran attire for Izumi

Homare writes a poem for Tangerine and recites it for him at his tea party

After helping out around Zahra and conversing with the locals, Mankai eats dinner at the same place Winter Troupe ate when they first came (upon Guy and Citron’s suggestion to Sakyo).

Citron and Guy have their own horses, Pochi and Chibi respectively

Citron’s “leopard” Juliano has a son, Juliano Jr.  who gets along very well with Sakyo, also they are probably cheetahs, not leopards, Citron is just stupid

Zahra is a fictional country, but in my opinion it really reminds me of a more lenient Qatar. 

Gordion Alliance

An historic venue adorns modem Eskisehir’s backyard. We are talking about the quarter of Odunpazan with its narrow winding streets and gaily painted, wood-frame row houses. Regarded as choice examples of traditional Turkish architecture, these houses were reclaimed for tourism in the Odunpazari Houses Preservation Project launched in 2005 by the local municipality.

Like those at Beypazari, Safranbolu and Sirince in other parts of Turkey, the historic houses at Odunpazan are involved now in the branding process. And if you venture outside these three city centers into the valleys and steppes, you will encounter splendid Phrygian monuments at almost every kilometer. Dating back to the 12th century B.C., this civilization exhibited a mastery ahead of its time in architecture, carving, pottery and metal working.

And Midas, who signed the first political alliance at Gordion, was the Phrygians’ most famous king. This culture, which inhabited dwellings cut into the rocks, left behind extraordinary and refined monuments in the valleys of Yazilikaya, Yapikdak, Kumbet, Asmainler, Zahran, Porsuk, Ayazini and Goynus. To see all this and more, you need to take a tour to the Phrygian Valley. If the traveler inside you is keen on an exciting adventure of discovery, now is the time.

One of the best things about Anatolia is the juxtaposition of traditional values with everyday life in complete harmony. After finishing their routine chores, homemakers go to each other’s houses to visit. Served with the traditional tea or ayran (buttermilk), savory pastries such as ‘agziagik’ and lentil- filled ‘bukme’ are carried amidst peals of glee by the children of the house to the local bakery, where they are baked in the oven.

Turkish Delight

Colorful candies, Turkish Delight, chocolates and walnut ‘sucuk’… Candy stores remain part and parcel of life in the cities of the Phrygian Valley. And the opium poppies used in some candies immediately pop to mind at the mention of one of those towns, Afyonkarahisar. Used in a range of products from breads and pastries to pharmaceuticals, the opium poppy continues to be produced under state supervision.

One of the sages who contributed to the cultural ferment of these lands, Yunus Emre springs to mind at the mention of Eskisehir. And International Yunus Emre Culture Week is held every year in the city.

Phrygian Valley

Art and tradition make their presence felt in the cities along the border of the Phrygian Valley. The tiles made by the late Sitki Olgar, one of the world’s leading tile producers, provide clues to Anatolia’s past. And starting from the 13th century, the grandsons of Mevlana Jalalladdin Rumi in Afyonkarahisar and Kutahya ensured the propagation of a new philosophy that would enlighten mankind.

Occupying a special place among the handicrafts of Kutahya and Turkey in general, the art of the tile has achieved an international reputation. Bird, fish, flower, plant and human motifs are generally used on the tiles, which are mainly in shades of dark and light blue, white and Bordeaux. (Funili Cami (the Tiled Mosque) at the city center and the shops that line the main street are proof of the importance given to tile making in this region.

Source: https://turkey.tourguideensar.com/gordion-alliance/