silaanien

Silaanien are an ethnic group native to the Silaan Highlands in the northern part of the continent of Eloria. The term Silaanien refers to both the people and their culture, while the endonym is Silaanian.

Geography and demographics: The core settlements lie in the Silaan River valley and adjacent highland districts. The population is estimated at 520,000 to 600,000, with smaller diaspora communities in neighboring regions.

Language: The Silaanian language belongs to the Silaani language family. It is largely agglutinative with a subject–object–verb order and features vowel harmony. Most Silaanien are bilingual in Elorian, the state language.

Society and culture: Social organization centers on clan lineages and local councils. Traditional roles emphasize craftsmanship, farming, and music. The principal crafts are weaving, woodcarving, and metalwork. Cultural life centers on the harvest calendar, with the annual Haran festival marking the solstice.

History and politics: Archaeological and textual sources point to early Silaan settlements in the highlands by the first millennium BCE. The community maintained autonomous local governance through medieval periods, engaging in trade with neighboring groups. In the modern era, Silaanien territories became part of the United Republic of Eloria, gaining limited provincial autonomy within a federal framework.

Economy and environment: The economy remains predominantly small-scale and subsistence-oriented, with agriculture (barley, potatoes), animal husbandry, forestry, and crafts. Trade goods include textiles and wood products. Environmental stewardship is a traditional value, with communal management of forest resources.

Notable features: Distinctive dress, music using the ghir drum and stringed lyra, and wooden architecture in hill settlements. The Silaanian language and cultural practices remain a focal point of regional identity, with ongoing efforts to preserve linguistic and cultural heritage.