The Zouérat Islamic Federation is a loose confederation of diverse countries that adhere to the Islamic faith. The flag of the federation is a simple star and crescent (the universal symbols of Islam) with a black background.



The first country we will be visiting is Gharbiyya which is located on the western coast of Africa, south of Morocco and north of Mauritania. Gharbiyya was annexed by the French in the late 19th century and formed part of French West Africa from 1920. Independence was gained in 1960 but many French influences remain such as language, religion, and architecture.

Gharbiyya General Information

Flag




Official Name: Islamic Republic of Gharbiyya
Short Name: Gharbiyya
Demonym: Gharbiyyan
Capital: Lagouira
Largest city: Lagouira
Currency: Zouérat Dirham
Official Languages: Arabic, French
Demographics: Arab-Berber (96%), European (2%), Other (2%)
Religion: Sunni Islam (98%), Christianity (2%)
Internet TLD: .ig
Total Population: 4,000,000
Life expectancy: Men - 65, Women - 68
Literacy rate: 95%

Climate
Gharbiyya has a mediterranean climate along the coast, although temperatures are higher due to the effects of the vast Sahara desert that makes up the interior of the country. Rainfall is rare, particularly in the arid desert.

Politics
Gharbiyya is a relatively peaceful country after overcoming instability in the first few decades after independence from France. Membership of the Zouérat Islamic Federation has lead to political stability despite the one party democracy that exists currently as this membership has lead to a big increase in the standard of living.



The first Gharbiyyan city we will be visiting is the capital and largest city, Lagouira.

A preview of what is to come:

Nice work, though I've said that before. Nice to see you over here, too.

I love the detail and stats put into this

I also really get the arabic feel in that last picture

I can't wait to see more. And welcome to Simmania

Nice work! and good to see a new DD

Replies:

simLink: Thanks, nice to see you here too!
mayorm: The arabic/north african feel is what I am looking to recreate.
Cheeseguy: Thanks, I am happy to be bring my CJ/MD/DD to this site!

Maidan Al-Jazair Mosque & French Quarter


A prominent feature along the waterfront of Lagouira is the Maidan Al-Jazair Mosque. Completed in 1990 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Gharbiyya's independence, the mosque is built on reclaimed land. This was inspired by the verse in the Qur'an that states "the throne of Allah was built on water". The minaret towers 210 m (689 ft) into the sky and is the world's tallest.





The interior of the mosque is a sight to behold with almost all of the materials used in the construction taken from Gharbiyya, except for the columns and chandeliers. It took six thousand traditional Gharbiyyan artisans five years to create the abundant and beautiful mosaics, stone and marble floors and columns, sculpted plaster moldings, and carved and painted wood ceilings.




The Maidan Al-Jazair Mosque sits infront of the French Quarter of Gharbiyya which contains the exclusive Hotel Cambronne and Le Grand Cafe. This section of Gharbiyya is always teeming with tourists who are eager to see the little part of Europe that exists in this Western Saharan country.









The next destination on this Developer Diary will be a visit to the ancient walled part of Lagouira, the Medina. A glimpse of the Medina can be seen below.

Truly amazing!

You have really captured the feel of a middle eatern city. And I love the real mosque pictures combined with the SC4 ones

Welcome to SImmania, I'm 111222333444 or Carl

(PS OMG very nice!)

Nice Work!

YES you brought it here

Looking great!!!

Replies

mayorm: Thanks, I like the mizture of real life an in-game pictures too.
111222333444: Thanks Carl, it is good to be here!
forthwall: Thanks!
K50: And it is here to stay!
titanicbuff: Thanks!


The Medina & Notre Dame de Lagouira




Today we will be visiting the medina. A medina is an ancient walled city frequently found in North Africa. The streets are very narrow and maze-like but are packed with people and markets selling everything one could think of. Sitting in the middle of Lagouira's medina is the Al-Qadereya Mosque.








By night, the medina is quiet with the green glow of Al-Qadereya mosque accompanying a few late night card-games.






Notre Dame de Lagouira was completed in 1892 and is the largest cathedral in Northern Africa. It sits on the promenade which runs along the Atlantic ocean and surely boasts one of the best setting for a cathedral in the world. While Gharbiyya is mostly Muslim, there is a sizeable Roman Catholic community, particularly amongst the French Gharbiyyan people (Gharbiyyan's with French ancestry).







I hope you have enjoyed this latest visit to the city of Lagouira but for now the sun sets on another Gharbiyyan day.

Ooh, love that beach!

As I said months before it's awesome. The cathedral is epic.

Oh

I love it so much

Eugene , all of this really is just fabulous and stunning work !
Is is this kinda attention to detail that makes for award winning
CJ's and Mayor diaries

Please visit chat often to take advantages of the help and
resources for your continued excellence .

Sometimes we may be busy there , but you will get the
attention that you deserve for producing such quality
city work as you have shown in recent updates.

Replies:

simLink: Yeah, the beach does look nice.
K50: That cathedral is a great BAT.
mayorm: Thanks, glad you like it.
bben: Thanks, all the help I get from you guys really contributes to my work.


Today's update is a mosaic of the city of Lagouira. Enjoy!

Very nice!

Replies

mayorm: Thank you for visiting!




Lagouira's skyline mostly consists of low-rise commercial and residential buildings built in a typical north african architectural style.




Lagouira however does have a few notable skyscrapers including the Gharbiyyan Interior Ministry building which was built in the 1970s and towers 113m (371ft) above the city.




The Gharbiyyan Parliamentary Building is perhaps the most modern-looking structure in the city and houses offices of all the most important people in the country. Across the road from the Parliamentary Building is Gharbiyya's largest shopping complex.






Near the Medina is the Djama'a al-Kebir Mosque which gently illuminates the night sky.




Finally, I will leave you with an overview of the city...




and a huge mosaic. Thank you again for visiting the great country of Gharbiyya and the city of Lagouira.

Your mosaic is huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge!

Very nice, I like it

I don't remember that region shot but I won't be forgetting it, it's awesome

DAMN! Again I love how you combined a real life picture with your in game pictures. Your city reminds me a little bit of Dubai.

Replies


111222333444: Yes it is indeed a very large mosaic, it took a long time to put together.
K50: Thanks, I was happy with the region shot.
mayorm: Thanks, Lagouira isn't quite as modern as Dubai however, maybe more like Dubai was 25 years ago.


Today you will just be seeing some random scenes from the city of Lagouira.


The French Quarter.




A couple of Lagouira's leading hotels for the growing tourism industry.






And a small football ground which is one of the home stadiums for cities football teams (more about them in the next update).




Thank you for once again visiting Lagouira. For now, the sun sets on another Gharbiyyan day.

Dat last picture... Amazing! D:

Ok that real life picture is beatuiful! While I love the rest of the pictures and the city, I have to say that picture is the best part of the update

I'm also excited to hear more about the soccer team