Fortaans

Fortaans are a fictional species featured in the science fiction novel "The City and the City" by China Miéville. They are inhabitants of the city of Besźel and its neighboring, yet separate, city of Ul Qoma. The defining characteristic of Fortaans is their ability to perceive and interact with the city of Ul Qoma, even though they physically reside within Besźel. This perception is not a matter of visual acuity but a cognitive and social construct. Besźel and Ul Qoma are policed by separate authorities, and citizens are trained from birth to ignore the presence of the other city and its inhabitants. Fortaans, by virtue of their unique perception, are able to navigate the complexities of this dual existence. They can acknowledge and engage with Ul Qoman citizens while simultaneously existing within the physical and social confines of Besźel. This ability makes them a unique and often marginalized group within the narrative, as their existence blurs the strict boundaries enforced between the two cities. The concept of Fortaans challenges conventional notions of reality and perception, exploring themes of civic identity, surveillance, and the nature of boundaries.