Arakuv

Arakuv is a city in the northern highlands of Valoria, along the Arak River. It is the administrative seat of Arak District and the province’s largest urban center. In the early 2020s, the population is estimated at about 112,000. The city blends a historic core with a growing service sector and is known for its stone architecture, riverfront promenades, and a long-standing market district.

The name Arakuv likely derives from the Araki term for bright water. The city sits at 600–900 meters in elevation, with a temperate climate and distinct seasons. It is surrounded by terraced hills, pine forests, and small agricultural valleys.

Arakuv began as a hill fortress in the 11th century and evolved into a trading town connected to river routes and caravan paths. Medieval fortifications were expanded, and it joined Valoria in the early modern era. A municipal charter was granted in the 15th century, and the city later adapted to industrial and infrastructural changes.

As the seat of Arak District, Arakuv is governed by a mayor and council. The population is ethnically diverse, with Valorians forming the majority and Arakvi communities as a recognized minority. Official languages are Valorian and Arakvi.

The economy combines textiles, timber crafts, and services with agriculture on the outskirts, including apples and grains. Hydropower from the Arak River supports industry, while tourism links the city’s history with the surrounding countryside.

Prominent sites include the Old Fortress, the Stone Market, and the Cathedral of the Dawn, as well as the River Bridge. The Harvest Festival and traditional music are central to local culture.

Arakuv is connected by national highways and a regional railway to the capital and coastal cities, and it hosts a small regional airport. Arakuv University, founded in the mid-20th century, offers programs in hydrology, history, and crafts.