Kanath

Kanath is a fictional location that appears in the fantasy novel "The Scar" by China Miéville. It is a vast, subterranean city situated beneath the Crimson Desert. The city is inhabited by a diverse population, including humans, humans with significant genetic modifications, and various non-human species. Kanath is known for its oppressive atmosphere and the rigid social hierarchy that governs its inhabitants. Life in Kanath is largely dictated by the need to survive in a resource-scarce environment, leading to a culture of pragmatism and often brutality.

The city's architecture is characterized by its utilitarian and often claustrophobic design, with structures built from scavenged materials and carved directly into the rock. Light sources are scarce, and much of the city is illuminated by bioluminescent fungi or artificial lights powered by geothermal energy. Kanath is a hub for illicit trade and is controlled by various powerful factions and gangs who vie for control of resources and territory. Despite its harsh conditions, Kanath serves as a refuge for those fleeing the surface world or seeking to disappear. The city's isolation and unique environment have fostered a distinct culture and way of life among its inhabitants, making it a significant and memorable setting within the novel's world.