Tylastrona

Theocratic Republic of Tylastrona Τυλαστρονα, タイラストロン
Flag
Motto: Eusebia, Xenia, Arete
Anthem: White Mountain
Capital and	Smyrnaphos
Official languages	N/A
Recognised national languages	Greek Japanese Turkish
Ethnic groups (2026)	Greek (45,2%) Japanese (25,2%) Turkish (12,3%) Mixed (7,1%) Other (10.3%)
Demonym(s)	Tylastronian, Tylastronan
Government	Federal presidential republic
• High Priestess	Elara Papadopoulos
• Prime-Minister	Melina Michelaki
Legislature	The House of Eunomia
Establishment
• Independence under the House of Astona	1668
• Establishment of the Tylastronian Republic	1845
• Military Junta	1889-1924
• Single Party State	1924-1970
• Theocratic Democratic Revolution	1970
Population
• 2026 estimate	50,986,000
GDP (PPP)	estimate
• Total	1.601 trillion USD
• Per capita	31,400 USD
Currency	Dracma (D)
Time zone	UTC+2 (Tylastronian National Time)
Date format	mm-dd-yyyy
Driving side	right
Calling code	+157
Internet TLD	.ty

Note: The political system of Tylastrona is inspired by the political system of an Imaginary Elections scenario I've created some months ago. For a deeper understanding of this system, since it has some differences from Tylastrona, check the original system here

Tylastrona is a country located in Esportiva, in the northwestern part of the region. It is a massive nation known for its environmental beauty, calm and friendly citizens, and strong state-interventionist economy. The citizens are known to be compassionate and law-abiding, as well as slightly patriotic. The nation pursues an economic self-sufficiency policy and has a significant environmental agenda.

Tylastrona is described by foreigners as "if Mediterranean culture somehow ended up in the Nordic winterlands" due to its strong winters and mild summers, and its economic policies and citizens' behaviour. Most of its landscape is filled with ice-capped mountains, agricultural fields (especially those used for growing cereals) and huge coniferous forests. Literature, music and a fervent winter sports culture are also among the nation's notable attributes.

As a federated state, Tylastrona is divided into five states and one capital territory. It is governed as a republic under a presidential theocratic democracy, in which the High Priestess is elected for life by the citizens. This electoral system does not allow for political parties. The Prime-Minister is elected for five years, sometimes the PM is named the Archon of the republic. Only in the legislative and local elections the political parties can participate

Geography

Tylastrona is located at the northwestern tip of the Esportiva region. The country experiences cold, snowy winters, ranging from a continental climate to a humid maritime climate in the capital and Cnidos. Summers are mild, with around 25–30% precipitation. Tylastrona has three main rivers: the Rina, the Cnidos and the Idofa. Kannella Lake is the largest lake. The country's highest peak is Mount Smyrnaca, which is located near the capital and has an elevation of 2,085 metres and a prominence of 1,875 metres.

Rank	Mountain Name	Mountain Range	Height
1	Mount Smyrnaca	Smyrnaca Range	2,085 meters
2	Mount Giona	Smyrnaca Range	1,882 meters
3	Mount Tsuge	Youkailands Range	1,675 meters
4	Mount Semegea	Smyrnaca Range	1,099 meters
5	Mount Imai	Youkailands Range	1,007 meters

Climate

According to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system, Tylastrona has a humid continental climate and a subarctic climate in its interior. The average temperature on the mainland ranges from -16 to 9 °C in the interior, and from -6 to 12 °C in the river basins and coastal areas. The lowest and highest official recorded temperatures are −36.7 °C in Semasus on 17 January 2009 and 30 °C in Iwakura on 8 August 1947. Annual average rainfall in Tylastrona ranges from approximately 5,000 mm to around 1,250 mm, with severe snowfall in winter, heavy rainfall in spring and autumn, and moderate to light rainfall in summer.

Biodiversity

Despite its location, Tylastrona boasts a thriving biodiversity. 90% of the forests consist of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), European spruce (Picea abies) and common juniper (Juniperus communis). However, geographical and climatic conditions also facilitate the introduction of exotic species that can later become invasive and destructive to native habitats. The Tylastronian Environmental Agency runs a well-funded programme to monitor these populations. The TEA has also reported that, in 2026, 40% of Tylastronian mammal species (105 in total), 41% of bird species (348 in total), 29% of reptile species (21 in total) and 39% of amphibian species (18 in total) were at risk. The association is still mapping populations and studying the behaviour of birds, and other living beings. To save as much biodiversity as possible, the Tylastronian government has designated 40% of the inland area as nature reserves.

Class	Total Number	Total Number in the Red Book	Total Number EN/CR	Total Number Invasive
Amphibians	18	7 (~39%)	1 (~6%)	0 (0%)
Birds	348	141 (~41%)	37 (~11%)	24 (~9%)
Fishes	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD
Mammals	105	42 (~40%)	11 (~10%)	15 (~14%)
Reptiles	21	6 (~29%)	2 (~10%)	7 (~33%)
Vertebrates Total	492	196 (~40%)	51 (~10%)	46 (~9%)

Government and politics

Tylastrona has been presidential representative democratic federal theocratic republic since the ratification of the Constitution of 1971, with Smyrnaphos as its capital. The Constitution grants the division or separation of powers among five sovereignty bodies: the High Priestess, The House of Eunomia, the government, the council of temples and the courts. The head of state is High Priestess, elected to a life-long term by direct, universal suffrage.

Legislative Power

Most of the legislation is done by The House of Eunomia but the government can legislate by decree. The House has 180 seats and its unicameral, they have the role to draft, debate and pass laws; they vote for the Prime-Minister, they approve the national budget, the foreign treaties and the taxation laws and they can censure the government or initiate a dissolution of the assembley with 2/3 majority. All laws are reviewed for impiety or cosmic imbalance by the Court of Themis and by the High Priestess. The electoral system it's a propositional one driven by the D'Hondt method. Whereas 126 seats are elected through the National Circles (including Diaspora) and the remaining 54 are elected through Temple Circles (theocratic).

Executive Power

Executive power is shared between the Archonate and the Ministries. The archonate consists of the High Priestess and the Prime Minister. The ministries are the government's operational divisions. The Prime Minister (PM) leads the Council of Holy Ministries, directs state administration and appoints Holy Ministers. Although they are primarily legislative figures, they are often paired with the executive section of the Holy Ministries as part of the Prime Ministry of Zeus. The Prime Minister is elected by the House of Eunomia after a legislative election and confirmed by the High Priestess. The High Priestess is the theocratic leader and leader of the Council of Temples. She is also the high chief of the army and of foreign affairs. She is also the leader of Hellenismos (Hellenistic Polytheism) in Tylastrona. She is the most revered and loved figure in the Republic. She approves laws and can veto them, as well as confirming the Prime Minister and Ministry appointments. She can also change the names of the ministries. She can promote priestesses. She can call for the direct dissolution of the assembly and the dismissal of the government. She is elected for life by direct, universal suffrage. She is a symbolic and spiritual leader and protector of divine harmony. The Holy Ministries are the cabinets that are filled by the PM after their election. The spots are fixed and are named after the Greek Theoi. Only the Council of Temples or the High Priestess can change the names or the numbers of Holy Ministries: Defense, Ambient, Education and Innovation, Agriculture, Health, Foreign Affairs, Economy and Finances, Culture, Industry and Labour, Justice, Internal Affairs; Family, Youth and Social Welfare; Infrastructures and Transportation.

Judicial Power

The law and justice are overseen by the order of the Courts of Themis and Dike. Both believe in no punishment without virtue assessment, ritual forgiveness exists but must be earned and that truth is found through both logos (reason) and pathos (ethos). There's also a lower courts and civic justice system that are controlled by the Court of Dike: Court of Hepahistos (Court of Work), Court of Hera (Family Court), etc. The Court of Themis is the sacred court, it works as the Constitutional Court. Their jurisdiction lays on constitutional matters and theocratic issues. On the other hand, the Court of Dike is the civil court. It's jurisdiction lays on local court appeals, civil and criminal law, electoral challenges, family law (Court of Hera), work and industrial conflict (Hepahistos Court).

Human rights

Tylastrona has a fairly good degree of human rights. It recognised same-sex marriage in 1979 and adoption by same-sex couples in 1981. Transgender people have been able to undergo social transition since 1992 and medical transition since 1988. The High Priestess recognised non-binary people in 2011. Discrimination based on race, gender, faith or language has been illegal since 1980. Abortion is legal. Euthanasia is legal.

Theocratic Power

The theocratic power is shared between the High Priestess and the Council of Temples. The High Priestess is the Priestess of all Theoi and Leader of the Council of Temples. The Council of Temples is an organization of the main figures of each hellenic temple. The Council can be summoned by the High Priestess herself or when the mandate of the High Priestess ends due to death, abdication or impeachment.

Temple Oversight Commission

An independent investigation commission composed by nine members appointed yearly by the High Priestess directly (6) and deliberately by the Council of Temples (3) and confirmed by a majority vote at the House of Eunomia. The commission can include high-ranking priests, philosophers, judges and independent civilians It has several responsibilities: insuring the integrity of all electoral processes, monitoring voting spots for coercion, bribery, or impiety and reviewing party compliance with the Republic values and oaths and auditing annual reports of wealth declarations, temple donations, ritual attendance, and civic behaviour.

Military

Since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1970, the military in Tylastrona has seen an incredible reduction. The Ares Protection Forces went from 450,000 personnel in 1970 to just 10,000 in 2026. Tylastrona is ranked 67th in Esportiva for its advanced military. This is due to constant growth from both sides of the political spectrum, as well as from theocratic institutions, which work to keep the nation peaceful. Defence spending is negligible in the state's financial accounting, but most of these costs are transferred to foreign aid. Tylastrona is the 11th most pacific nation in Esportiva and the 2nd with the highest foreign aid spending. Consequently, many APF missions involve assisting other nations in times of disaster, providing supplies during periods of scarcity or war, and escorting political figures to foreign events.

Law Enforcement

Tylastrona has one of the lowest crime rates in Esportiva, ranking 66th. This is thanks to a number of factors, including low wealth inequality, effective welfare systems, theocratic elements in society and well-funded law enforcement. A host of state agencies combat crime, including the Temple Oversight Commission, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Ministry of Hestia), the Ministry of Justice (Ministry of Themis-Dike), the Commission of Demetrian Affairs (food and economic safety regulator), and the Organisation for National Soteria (intelligence agency and national security body). Tylastrona has only one police agency: the Phalanx of the State, which was founded in 1809 during the period of the House of Astona. The Phalanx of the State is divided into five divisions: the Urban Affairs Division (responsible for city protection, transit and other issues); the Rural-Work Affairs Division (responsible for rural, labour, transit and environmental issues); the Athena Affairs Division (responsible for criminal investigations); the Foreigners Division (responsible for border control and immigration regulation); and the Hecate Affairs Division (responsible for magic crime and legal issues relating to magic). Tylastrona has only two prisons, one in the capital city and one in Astona. The 1971 Constitution removed the extensive powers enjoyed by prisons and police officers during the period of military rule and one-party politics. This included the destruction or transformation of several prisons built for "political crimes". The current constitution prioritises logic, respect and preservation over punishment. In 2026, Tylastrona had only 1,236 inmates. The only two operational prisons offer workshops, reintegration education, psychological counselling, and the presence of a permanent doctor and priest. Incarceration is considered a last resort and carries a maximum sentence of 15 years with no possibility of parole. Instead, most offenders receive a combination of the following: magical binding; prohibition of leisure activities, internet access, etc.; fines or reparations; community labour; rehabilitation programmes; and psychological counselling.

Crime

As previously mentioned, Tylastrona's crime rate is very low. The nation hasn't recorded any murders since 1995. The country has had a liberal drug policy since the decriminalisation of consumption in 1998; however, possession of amounts greater than "10 days' worth for personal use" is punishable by fines. Prostitution is legalised and the workers of this sector receive total state protection and access to healthcare, just like any citizen. Most crimes fall into one of the following categories: environmental crimes; public intoxication; breach of the peace; noise nuisance; property crimes, such as theft, vandalism, scams and bribery; and other white-collar crimes. Tylastronians view breaking the law, or even failing to respect social norms, as an act of treason against the nation and the gods. However, they also believe that criminals are people who have lost their way and require rehabilitation in order to lead ethical lives.

Administrative Divisions

Tylastrona is divided into five states and one territory. Each state is divided into municipalities, which are further divided into agoras. The territory is divided into neighbourhoods.

List of States of Tylastrona

State name	Abbreviation	Capital	Largest City	Population	Municipalities
Astona	AST	Astona		9,105,783	2
Cnidio	CND	Cnidio		4,815,337	2
Kannela	KAN	Kannela		16,460,897	5
Old Towers	OT	Pixesos		2,468,244	2
Youkailand	YKL	Semasus		3,495,904	3

List of Territories of Tylastrona

State name	Abbreviation	Capital	Largest City	Population	Neighbourhoods
Smyrnaphos Capital Territory	SCT	Smyrnaphos		14,639,835	10

Economy

Tylastrona has a state-controlled economy with high taxation, but the average citizen can generally afford to live comfortably. The richest 10% receive 1.4 times more than the poorest 10%, and the wealth gap is virtually non-existent. The currency of Tylastrona is the dracma (D), which is worth 2.15 NSD. Most industries, businesses and financial institutions are concentrated in the three major metropolitan areas. Private investment is rare, with most services, industries and production being state-owned. The major industries are information technology, book publishing, food products and winter textiles. From 2000 to 2026, the gross agricultural product in Tylastrona dropped from 4.5% to 2.5% of the total GDP. Employment rates are growing; in 2020, 43.50% of the population was in work, whereas in 2026 this figure increased to 44.53%. These low percentages are due to a large proportion of elderly people and students, as well as children, since the unemployment rate was only 4.1% in 2026. Tylastrona has the eighth largest welfare programme, the 15th most subsidised industry, and the 13th highest tax rate in Esportiva.

Wages

The minimum monthly gross wage in Tylastrona is 10,138 dracmas, while the average is 12,166 dracmas. All wages are paid 16 times a year: 12 monthly salary payments plus four additional payments for holiday bonuses. Although the state has a high taxation rate of 65.5%, this is to fund social programmes, public services and retirement funds. After taxes, the average wage is 4,197 dracmas, whereas the minimum wage is 3,497 dracmas.

Sectors

Agriculture

Agriculture currently accounts for 2.5% of Tylastrona's GDP (includes cattle and forestry), and predictions suggest that this figure will rise. The main agricultural produce in Tylastrona is cereals such as wheat, oats and rice. Conifer products and some legumes are also important. Tylastrona produces red wine in the inner regions, which is considered a delicacy. Organic, sustainable and biological farming is subsidised by the state. There is also a mushroom industry, where mushrooms are cultivated and harvested. Tylastrona has a large poultry and eggs industry, producing chicken, duck and turkey meat. In terms of forestry, Tylastrona has a long history of wood production, particularly of pine and spruce.

Fisheries

The ports of Cnidio and the capital are currently the major hubs of the fishing industry. Most of the production is for the nation, and there are catch periods for protected species. As well as fish, some molluscs and crustaceans are also caught. Fishing industry currently accounts for 2.3% of Tylastrona's GDP.

Industry

The industry sector currently accounts for 40.7% of Tylastrona's GDP. The main industries are information technology, book publishing, food production and winter textiles. The IT industry accounts for 37.7% of the total industry share of GDP, while the food industry accounts for 30.9%. The main IT and book publishing industries are located in the capital's metropolitan area. Meanwhile, the food and textile industries are located near the fields that provide these industries' main source of income. Magic industries are also pretty common, contributing 8.5% of the total industry share of GDP. Modern, non-traditional, technology-based industries such as aerospace, biotechnology, and cybersecurity are beginning to gain traction in the capital. It is predicted that biotechnology will account for 17.5% of the total industry share of GDP by 2035.

Services

The tertiary sector has grown, producing 54.5% of the GDP and providing jobs for 59% of the working population. The most significant growth rates are found in the trade sector, due to the introduction of modern means of distribution, transport and telecommunications.

Science and Technology

Despite its current ranking of 24th Most Scientifically Advanced in Esportiva, Tylastrona is experiencing exponential growth in science, with a focus on biotechnology, information technology, neuroscience and data science. Scientific communication is commonplace in communication with the average citizen. Scientific research is conducted by state-funded universities and institutions, which enjoy freedom of research and opinion.

Tourism

Tylastrona is the 21st most popular country on Esportiva. Most tourists visit during the winter. It is estimated that tourism contributes 1.7% to the annual GDP. Popular tourist destinations include Smyrnaphos, Kannela, Astona, and the mountain ranges of Smyrnaca and Youkailands. Most tourists come to Tylastrona to enjoy sports, experience biodiversity, engage in cultural exchange and learn about magic.

Transport

Tylastrona is ranked 18th for public transport in Esportiva. Although rural and inner areas remain a concern, they are well connected to the main cities. 67% of the population prefer to use public transport rather than private vehicles. Tickets are free as the state funds everything. However, tolls are charged on motorways, with the amount depending on the type of vehicle. The most popular modes of transport are the train, bus and subway. Some cities have tram and subway systems that operate using magical circuits. Since 2015, people have received state support if they own an electric vehicle, and since 2024, fossil fuel vehicles have been banned. Tylastrona has two main airports: one in Smyrnaphos and one in Kannela.

Energy

Magical energy accounts for 71% of Tylastrona's total energy supply, with solar and wind energies following behind. The nation imposed a ban on fossil fuels in 2024. There has been much debate about nuclear power since the early years of the Fourth Republic (1970), and talks to build a nuclear power plant have always been stopped.

Demographics

As of 2026, Tylastrona's population was 50,986,000, 55.6% of whom were female and 44.4% of whom were male. The median life expectancy in 2026 was 91.05 years. Historically, the population has been culturally diverse, with most people adhering to Hellenic polytheism and speaking Greek.

Tylastrona's estimated fertility rate in 2026 was 1.90 children per woman. Tylastronian society displays relatively high levels of socioeconomic equality, with the richest 10% earning 1.4 times more than the poorest 10%.

Immigration

According to Tylastronian statistical organisations, the number of immigrants increased by 7.5% between 2000 and 2026, rising from 0.5% to 8% of the population. By 2026, the number of legal foreign residents was 4,078,880, accounting for around 8% of the population. The largest immigrant groups are: Turkish, Bulgarian, Croatian, Pakistani and Chinese.

Urbanization

According to the TSO, around 72% of the population lives in the 10 most populous cities in the nation. The Smyrnaphos Capital District is sometimes referred to as the Smyrnaphos Metropolitan Area in geography books. The other two metropolitan areas in Tylastrona are Kannela-Mytidos and Astona-Aperikon.

Rank	City	State	Population
1	Smyrnaphos	Smyrnaphos Capital District	13,445,119
2	Kannela	Kannela	12,115,009
3	Astona	Astona	3,233,008
4	Mytidos	Kannela	3,005,887
5	Cnidio	Cnidio	1,116,976
6	Semasus	Youkailand	997,899
7	Pixesos	Old Towers	888,000
8	Aperikon	Astona	675,789
9	Thebetta	Old Towers	671,899
10	Iwakura	Cnidio	631,335

Religion

Tylastrona only had mandatory secularity policies during the period of the First Republic. The current republican system allows freedom of religion; however, most of the population practises Hellenic polytheism. According to the 2026 studies:

Rank	Religion	Percentage
1	Hellenic Polytheism	65%
2	Buddhism	11,7%
3	Shinto	6.1%
4	Islamism	5.3%
5	Christianity (various denominations)	5%
6	Atheism / Secularity	2.3%
7	Hinduism	2%
8	Judaism	1.7%
9	Other Religions	0.9%

Language

Tylastrona has no official language. However, a list of national languages was announced during the First Republic (Greek, Japanese). This list was last updated in 1990 (Greek, Japanese, Turkish, Tylastronian Creole). The multicultural language policy of Tylastrona was suppressed during the military junta and national union periods (1889-1970), only returning in 1971 with the fourth republic (our current one). The most popular foreign languages to learn are English, French, German and Spanish.

Rank	Language	Percentage L1	Percentage L2	Percentage L3
1	Greek	45.7%	70%	63.5%
2	Japanese	27.5%	21.6%	3.9%
3	Turkish	11%	0.5%	1.7%
4	Tylastronian Creole	6.1%	0.2%	0.1%
5	Bulgarian	5%	0.6%	0%
6	Croatian	3.1%	0.1%	0.3%
7	Albanian	1.1%	0%	0%
8	Other South Slavic Language	0.3%	0%	0%
9	Other Language	0.2%	6.9%	30.5%

Health

In 2026, Tylastrona was ranked the 9th best public healthcare system in Esportiva. The system is characterised by state-funded healthcare, which is provided free of charge after a large amount of tax has been paid. Big Pharma is regulated by an effective, government-owned, bureaucratic organisation. Private institutions are inexpressive. Obesity is low, with only around 4.1% of the population diagnosed with the condition. This is thanks to the highly successful food production and restaurants sectors, which produce healthy and delicious food. Nevertheless, most Tylastronians die from noncommunicable diseases, particularly cancers, dementia and diabetes-related complications, as well as cardiovascular and pulmonary issues. Tylastronian infant mortality rate (IMR) stood at 0,89 deaths per 1,000 live births as of 2026.

Education

In 2026, the Tylastrona education system was ranked 15th in Esportiva's public education system rankings. Children undergo an extensive curriculum throughout the 12-grade system, with foreign languages, sports, philosophy and critical thinking being introduced from the age of 8. The educational system is divided into preschool (for those under age six), basic education (nine years, in three stages, compulsory), secondary education (three years, compulsory since 1985), and higher education (subdivided in university and polytechnic education). The most popular university courses are in technology and science, followed by law and social sciences, including history, psychology and sociology. The oldest university was founded in 1689 during the monarchy period. Universities welcome foreign students planning to study abroad for more than six months. Entrance is based on the average of their secondary education. National exams are conducted to verify public schools' adherence to the curriculum, but they haven't been mandatory for university entry since 1997. Just like healthcare; preschool, primary and secondary education is free of charge. However, university-level education is not free, although the government offers scholarships covering 40% of the total value, students do not accrue any debt afterwards.

Culture

Tylastrona has developed a unique culture based on Hellenic principles, shaped by Japanese immigration in the 19th century, and influenced by its almost Arctic climate. The rough natural conditions, religious practices and generations of living under various forms of government created this unique cultural expression. Many Tylastronians refer to it as "the Muses of the North". During the First Republic (1845-1889), culture was modernised and liberalised for minorities and the general population. During the period of the junta (1889-1924) and the single-party republic (1924-1970), this emancipated culture was censored and shaped to serve the interests of the regime. It was only with the arrival of the Fourth Republic that censorship was removed and made illegal. Tylastrona's cultural identity is represented through art, sports, cuisine, holidays, folklore and religious practices.

Cinema

Film production in Tylastrona began in the early 1900s. During this period, the country was in the final stages of military rule and slowly transitioning to a one-party state. Consequently, the first seven decades of cinema were dominated by propaganda films, controlled narratives and limited visibility for non-Greek themes and languages. However, one of the most significant legacies of this period for contemporary filmmaking was the state's comprehensive sponsorship of directors and actors.

Historically, Tylastronian films have been noted for their philosophical and religious themes, and for their serious tone. These have included retellings of Hellenic myths, realistic films showcasing life in Tylastrona, and adaptations of Tylastronian literature. Considered to be the greatest Tylastronian film, Odýsseia (1962) was directed by Elias Metaxas (1935-2021) and is the pinnacle of the Tylastronian Golden Age of Cinema (1960-1978).

During the Fourth Republic, films directed in Japanese and Turkish began to appear following the emancipation of ethnic and linguistic minorities brought about by the Theocratic Revolution and the 1971 Constitution. Japanese influence on Tylastronian cinema was evident from the outset, but after 1970 a new era of filmmaking emerged, with themes spreading. Kathréptis (1983) was the first Tylastronian horror film, followed by I zoí enós mikroú koritsioú (1985) was one of the nation's first historical supernatural dramas. Tekerlekli sandalye (1981) is the most popular Turkish-language film in Tylastrona. It is a slice-of-life film. Helios (1993) was the first film produced in Tylastronian Creole, directed by Yui Tassakou (1953-) and it was an instant success. A new age of Tylastronian cinema began in 1984 and ended in 1997, during which time these new moviemakers were at the forefront. The early 1990s saw the pinnacle of Tylastrona's production, with 89 movies being made each year.

Inspired by the Japanese anime style, various retellings of myths and original animations in Greek or Japanese began to appear in the mid-1980s. "Tylastronian anime" is still a popular genre nowadays. Examples are: Yuki no Kyojin no shūrai (1989), Anatatowatashi to sekai (1993) and Pyrkagiés (1999).

The Smyrnaphos Cinema Festival, which has been held every year since 1967, is the only cinema festival in Tylastrona. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, it showcases films made by Tylastronians in various categories and genres, as well as international films. In 2026, 2,180 screens were registered with the Tylastronian Association of Cinema and Theatre (TACT), an organisation overseen by the Ministry of Culture. This equates to approximately 4.28 screens per 100,000 people.

These days, Tylastrona produces 70 films a year. The film industry still receives state subsidies, and the TACT facilitates contact between directors, actors, and cinema owners. Although foreign films are popular, Tylastronians prefer to watch their own national productions. The main genres in contemporary Tylastronian film are: Tylastronian anime; 'Synchrono Drama'; 'Tainía me ton Mikró Ánthropo'; drama and comedy inspired by the Greek classics; supernatural films; and 'tendency' films inspired by the Japanese movement. Surprisingly, musicals are also popular. Themes range from retellings of myths, minority voices and identity in Tylastrona to epic adventures, environmental awareness and the consequences of modernity.

Approximately 49.4% of film screens are located in urban areas, primarily in the capital city and Astona. The main film producers are located in Smyrnaphos, Astona and Cnidio.

Literature

Tylastronians have a profound appreciation of their own literature. Some citizens even claim that it is among the best in the world. It is also considered the nation's oldest form of cultural expression, with the oldest books dating back to the early years of the House of Astona. Early examples of Tylastronian literature include devotional poetry, epic and historical narratives. Authors such as Rhesus (1729-1774), Timandra (1745-1791), and the poet Eubalus (1699-1752) are still studied by Tylastronians today. The literary tradition continued during the First Republic, but was heavily censored during the period of the junta and the single-party state. Following the Theocratic Revolution and the 1971 Constitution, however, censorship was banned and non-Greek voices were free to write. Book publishing is one of Tylastrona's biggest industries. On average, Tylastronians read 17.3 books per year. Tylastrona exports books to the rest of Esportiva and has three literary prizes: the Rhesus Prize, which was established in 1830 and is the oldest and most prestigious literary prize in Tylastrona; the Voices of the Muses Prize, which was established in 1980 and recognises books and works written by Tylastronian women; and the Eubalus National Prize, which was established in 1912 and is awarded exclusively to poetry and lyrical works. The Ministry of Culture pays income to authors and poets, while directors and actors are under the TACT. Authors and poets, however, are under the Tylastronian Authors Group (TAG). This group is also involved in the publication of scientific and non-fiction works, and it holds the Tylastronian Reference Style (TRS), which is the national standard for referencing and bibliographic writing.

Narrative

Tylastrona has a long-standing tradition of narrative literature, beginning with the historical accounts of Rhesus (1729-1774) and the mythological epics that empower women, written by Timandra (1745-1791), during the House of Astona period. During the late House of Astona and First Republic periods, Tylastronian narratives grew in popularity among the upper classes. The number of genres expanded, but this growth was quickly stifled by the censorship of the military junta and the subsequent single-party regime. During the First Republic, themes focused on realism and slice-of-life tales, as well as the beginnings of supernatural and science fiction literature, all of which were written in Greek. During the eras of censorship, retellings of myths and epic narratives that glorified the state became more popular. Following the Theocratic Revolution and the 1971 Constitution, narrative literature began to grow exponentially. The Contemporary Golden Age of Tylastronian Literature (1979-2002) was a long period of literary production and publication that saw an increase in public interest, as well as the emergence of minority voices within the Greek-dominated language sphere. Contemporary Tylastronian narratives explore themes such as slice-of-life, rural life, the supernatural, science fiction, philosophy, Hellenic polytheism, and retellings of Greek epics. They also feature authors writing in Japanese and Turkish.

Poetry

Poetry has always been considered one of the most sacred literary arts in Tylastrona. Eubalus' (1699-1752) Foní (1736) is often quoted as the 'Homeric Hymns' of Tylastrona. During the House of Astona period, poetry served a liturgical purpose in the context of Hellenic polytheism. During the First Republic, the state mandated secularisation, so liturgical poetry became clandestine. However, a new style of poetry inspired by haiku, senryū and tanka emerged. This poetry featured Sapphic stanzas and Aeolic verses. Poets such as Silas Demas (1812-1867), Tasos Antonilis (1800-1854) and Zacharoula Monelli (1839-1871) are considered to be the leading figures of the Tylastronian Secular Poetry Era (1845-1930). This movement came to an end during the early single-party era due to the censorship that had already been introduced during the period of the military junta. Tylastronian New Poetry (TNP) (1960-1980) began as an underground style of poetry that used the stylistics of the Secular Poetry Era, but introduced themes such as Hellenismos, fighting authority, minority voices, and slices of life. Contemporary poetry still uses the TNP style, but with greater freedom of expression. Well-known subgenres include Opinative Poetry (1983-1993), Tylastronian Confessional Poetry (1977-1997) and Contemporary Liturgical Hymns (1971-present).

Tylastronian Manga

The production of Tylastronian comics began during the anime boom in the 1980s. Tylastronians would rush to buy newspapers for a brief moment of comic relief. Due to high demand and Japanese influence, Tylastronian manga then left newspapers and started being published in specialised magazines, with the most popular releases being re-released in tankōbon format. There are about 19 manga magazines under the supervision of TAG, but the three best-selling ones are: Cnidio Youth (1991), which focuses on comics and manga for kids and teens, with main themes of epics, superheroes and adventure stories; Paráthyro (1988), the oldest magazine, which focuses on slice-of-life stories, sports and school life, appealing to teenagers and young adults; and Evlogía (2001), which focuses on horror, supernatural and grotesque comics, appealing to adults. Tylastronian manga has its own literary prize: the Asano Mai Manga Prize. Established in 1998, it is named after Asano Mai (1966-1997), the mother of Tylastronian manga.

Music

Tylastrona's music scene encompasses a wide array of genres, both traditional and modern, reflecting its diverse ethnic background. The Ministry of Culture supervises music production through the Committee of Tylastronian Musicians and Composers (CTMC). The CTMC subsidises artists and music industry producers, and controls the Tylastronian 'Billboard'. Tylastrona's music retail value was of 1.7 billion dracma in 2026.

Traditional Music

The early music of the House of Astona drew inspiration from ancient Greek music. Most of the compositions were liturgical and formed part of Hellenismos practices. Instruments such as the pandura, kanonaki and lyre were commonly used in these compositions. Lyrically, they were adaptations of scenes from mythology or Orphic and Homeric hymns.

Outside of the temples, traditional and folk music in Tylastrona focused on the workers. Tylastronian choral field songs, sung by Kannelian farmers, are choral songs (voice only) in which a soloist and a choir alternate, with a high voice filling in the pauses and ending the verses. The song invariably begins with the soloist providing the cue and giving way to the high voice, after which the choir joins in, with the soloist and high voice also participating. Then it repeats.The themes of choral field songs include love for Demeter and Artemis, working conditions, and longing for loved ones. Meanwhile, in Cnido, tuna fishermen performed the Tuna Shanties. These songs were performed using only the lyre, bagpipes or hurdy-gurdy, and then a group of four voices sang a chorus while a single lower-pitched voice sang the verses. Themes covered by the shanties include descriptions of the weather, stories of fantastic fights with the sea, praise for Poseidon, and love for someone on land.

During the late periods of the House of Astona era, folkcore music from Tylastronia was influenced by traditional Japanese and Turkish music. The saz and biwa were starting to be introduced in some traditional performances. Meanwhile, the koto was becoming more prevalent in traditional liturgical music and in upper-class areas. Tylastronian festive music incorporated ancient Greek flutes and taiko drums. During the late First Republic period, the accordion was a popular instrument in traditional music, particularly in the music played in urban bars and in sea shanties.

Today, Tylastronians still enjoy traditional music, it is performed at cultural festivals and at religious holidays.

Classical Music

Classical music in the Western sense only arrived in Tylastrona during the First Republic period (1845-1889). Before this, classical music was traditional liturgical music. Since secularisation was forced upon the population during the First Republic, the instruments typically used for liturgical music were used for Tylastronian classical music. Japanese instruments also began to appear in secular classical music. The Tylastrona's current anthem, White Mountain was composed in 1850 by Michalis Paulides (1808-1872). Instruments commonly used in Tylastronian classical music include the kanonaki, the lyre, the shamisen, the koto, the violin, various types of flute, the piano and various types of percussion and woodwind instruments.

Popular Music

According to the CTMC, 80% of the music featured on Billboard's year-end chart was Tylastronian. The nation's citizens prefer their own music to foreign music. The CTMC has hosted the CTMC Music Prize since 1977, as well as the most prestigious Tylastronian Music Prizes since 1955. Music festivals are common during the summer. The most popular is the Cnidio Waves Fest, which has showcased national and international talent since 1977. The Kannela Festival has celebrated folk, traditional, and world music since 1949.

Tylastronian Pop

Tylastronian pop is a loosely defined genre that emerged in Tylastrona in the late 1980s. Drawing on the rock, electronic and magic music scenes, it creates something uniquely Tylastronian. Tylastronian pop music is often performed in Greek or Japanese. A breakthrough occurred in 1991 when Eliana Zorbea (born 1972), one of the most prominent Tylastronian pop artists, debuted with Yangusouru, which hit #1 in the CTMC Billboard for 45 weeks. Zorbea was also nominated for eight CTMC Music Prizes and four Tylastronian Music Prizes in 1992. Recently, Tylastronian pop music has drawn more inspiration from magical music, electronic music, and the synthpop revival. Idol groups that sing in Greek, Japanese or Turkish, or a combination of these languages, are inspired by Japanese culture and are popular. The Tylastronian idol culture is more relaxed, and there are strict laws in place to protect talent from parasocial relationships. For example, the girl group Aegis (2014–2020) was the most prized idol group, winning 15 CTMC Music Prizes and 8 Tylastronian Music Prizes.

Electronic Music and Magic Music

The development of electronic and magical music in Tylastrona was deeply interlinked with avant-garde underground groups from the single-party era (1924–1970). Magical instruments manipulated the nature of magic, creating electric, aesthetic sounds that could be pleasing or unnerving. Magical instruments are neither acoustic nor electronic, they are a special case of its own. Electronic music in Tylastrona first reached the mainstream in the 1980s, with movements such as Tylastronian House (1988-present), Tylastronian Breaks (1995-present), Tylastronian Trance (1992-present) and Tylastronacore (1989-present) following soon after. Magical Dance Music emerged at the same time, competing with standardised EDM for prizes in dance categories. The duo ACT (1984-present) is one of the most well known MDM producers, having won 10 CTMC Music Prizes. There is no night-time rave culture. Instead, Tylastrona has evening shows featuring EDM and MDM dance music.

Rock and Metal

Tylastronian rock is the second most popular genre of music in Tylastrona after Tylastronian pop. It originated in the 1960s, alongside the politically charged folk scene and the underground jazz movement. Some bands experimented with the electric guitars, drums, bass. After the Theocratic Revolution, the rock scene was hit hard. This ranged from the radio-friendly pop rock of bands like The Saturns (1969-1976) to the progressive rock of Pytagoras' Jam (1973-1998), which mixed Japanese and Greek traditional instruments. The 1970s rock scene was fresh and innovative, winning Tylastronian Music Prizes and headlining festivals. Arena rock and hard rock were two subgenres that gained popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They featured epic and occult lyrics, some of which mentioned mythology or love. One such band was The Satyrs (1974-1990), who were extremely popular and won prizes for their eight albums. In the 1980s, magic instruments and electronics were incorporated into rock movements, with synths and magical keys appearing in what became known as Magic Rock, an alternative to Arena Rock. In the 1990s, alternative rock became mainstream, with bands like Conscience (1988-1997) and Athena (1990-present) incorporating rock instruments and sometimes synths or magical instruments. Recently, rock has lost some ground to Tylastronian pop and EDM. However, some acts continue to wow the competition. These include the epic rock band Machina (2003-present), who incorporate industrial pop motifs, and the indie band Boys from Cnidio (2007-present). They started a new wave of soft rock with their 2019 album Etaireía, which won two CTMC prizes in 2020.

On the other hand, metal has a religious following, but has never achieved mainstream success. There are four distinct metal subgenres: Tylastronian Power Metal (also known as Epic Metal), Tylastronian Visual Metal, Tylastronian Folk Metal, and Tylastronian Extreme Metal. They all originated from the surge of 1980s hard rock and early heavy metal. TPM features fast riffs, epic vocals, intriguing stories, mythological themes, religious praise and an adventurous spirit. It is the most accessible metal genre in Tylastrona. TVM is an umbrella term for all Tylastronian metal influenced by Japanese Visual Kei, glamorous gothic fashion, and occult, supernatural lyricism. TFM features traditional Tylastronian instruments and mythological retellings, and is sometimes sung in Creole. Finally, TFM is the most niche genre, an umbrella term for all extreme metal produced in Tylastrona. The genres normally included in this umbrella term are black metal and thrash metal, which usually feature mythological, occult and supernatural themes. The usual satanic themes of black metal are replaced with theological inquiries. Bands include: Ares' Sword (1989-present; Epic Metal), Blood of Hecate (1992-present; Folk Metal), Little Owl (1991-present, Visual Metal) and Chthonic distress (1998-present; Black Metal.)

Folk

Folk popular music in Tylastrona has been deeply connected with non-liturgical traditional music forms, specially Kannelian choral music. During the authoritarian one-party regime, folk music was widely used by left-wing and liturgical resistance groups as a means of expressing ideas that could not be openly discussed. Songs were written about freedom, equality, Hellenism, minority voices and democracy, mainly using metaphors and symbols. Many composers and singers gained fame and were persecuted by the political police; some were arrested or exiled. This type of folk music featured the accordion, the bagpipe, the saz and/or choral arrangements. Notable artists included Raphael Ganilis (1928-2023), Silas Anastallis (1929-2025), Silas Manotis (born 1931), Goksu Nur (1940-1989), Mahmut Marilleti (1938-2007) and Uehashi Tamaki (born 1943). Following the Theocratic Revolution of 1970 and the 1971 Constitution, folk music underwent changes as it was emancipated. Many new performers belonged to the Confessional or Opinative Poetry movements, while others combined Tylastronian and magical pop influences with traditional folk music to create a genre known as Magic Folk, which emerged in 2006 and continues to this day. Korinna Bara (born 1965) won three CTMC Music Prizes in folk categories and eight Tylastronian Music Prizes for her confessional acoustic saz folk style. Anargyros Frangeas (1970-2002) expressed his mental state through his voice, accompanied by bagpipes and the lyre. He is regarded as the "lonely voice" of a generation and has been compared to Elliott Smith. The trio Circe (2008-present) fused traditional Kannela music with magical instruments.

Jazz

Jazz first arrived in the early 1920s, during the transitional period between the military junta and the single-party state. The government believed that jazz could be an effective means of entertaining the upper class. However, jazz found its way into the neighbourhoods of Cnidus and Smyrna during the late 1920s. The Dada Group was experimenting with free jazz at this time, and some people would host bebop listening parties underground and out of sight of the state. The most popular subgenres in the 1940s and 1950s were vocal jazz, piano jazz and Hellenismos jazz. One of the biggest jazz groups of this period was Likourgos Pepelis (1927-1985) and the Creole Saxophones (1944-1964), who mixed Greek and Tylastronian Creole lyrics and featured saxophone and bass solos. This formed the basis of the first Tylastronian jazz identity. Following the Theocratic Revolution and the 1971 Constitution, jazz lost its popularity to rock, electronic music and Tylastronian pop. However, contemporary jazz artists now tend to be more interested in experimental music than popular music. Many artists, such as the piano jazz artist Iossif Mutelis (1971-present) and the devotional jazz group Saxophone for Theoi (1988-present), have received several Tylastronian Music Prizes.

Experimental Music

Tylastrona has a high proportion of experimental and avant-garde musicians. Vanguard movements emerged during the single-party era (1924-1970) as a way to resist the regime covertly without being censored. The first generation of experimental musicians were part of the Smyrnaphos Dada Group (1920-1930), and their music featured free improvisation, free jazz, and electroacoustic elements. Key figures included Stephanos Zervopoulos (1885-1939), Themistoklis Pateriadis (1877-1953), and Apostolia Barberou (1883-1960). It was from this generation that the experimental music underground expanded throughout the Smyrnaphos area.

The minimalism (1918-present) and noise (1960-present) scenes also emerged from the underground, driven by postmodernist thought and danger music compositions. Alkinoos Nicoleas (1930-2021) was one of the most prominent drone and ambient music producers from Tylastrona. Matsuoka Tatsukichi (born 1945) is considered the father of Tylastronian noise music. Magic Music started out as an experimental music group using magical energy-powered instruments. Similar to electronic classical music, this began to be composed in the late 1940s and spread to popular music, creating popular magic music (similar to EDM).

Two specific awards for experimental music were established in the Fourth Republic: the Dada Group Prize (1980), which inducts composers of avant-garde classical music, and the Kaos Prize (1996), which offers a spotlight to various composers within the experimental music genre.

Theatre

The Tylastronian Theatre is overseen by the Tylastronian Association of Cinema and Theatre (TACT). Actors, playwrights and other staff are subsidised by this association within the Ministry of Culture. Theatre has been losing popularity since the Tylastronian Golden Age of Cinema (1960-1978). However, in 2026, 40% of Tylastronians said that they attended a play at least once a month.

The Tylastronian theatre has had three distinct eras: the Astonian (1670-1845), the Secular (1845-1970), and the contemporary (1970-present). The performative arts in Tylastrona have also been profoundly influenced by Japan migrants since the late Astonian Era. Tragedy and comedy are the principal genres, both originating from the Hellenismos background. Tales about winter, mythological retellings, and adaptations of Greek classics and epics became more common during the late Astonian era. Influences from Noh and Kabuki appeared during this period and remained predominant during the early Secular Era and the years of the First Republic (1845-1889). Due to the lack of Hellenistic stories or liturgical performative arts, historical tragedies and comedies became more prevalent. Then, during the military junta (1889-1924) and the single-party era (1924-1970), Japanese influence disappeared completely; however, the historical drama motif and the 'senseless' comedy movement in playwriting remained prevalent, always under the control of censorship. The contemporary era emerged from the Theocratic Revolution and the freedom of the Fourth Republic. During this time, the Shinpa and Kabuki writing styles became more prevalent, incorporating elements of classical Hellenic tragedy and comedy. Liturgical motifs also reappeared, and for the first time, minority voices could be heard in plays. Other performing arts within the theatre branch include: Tylastronian ballet, puppet theatre and epic musicals.

Important playwrights include: Yanni Papoulis (1650-1745), known as the father of Tylastronian tragedy, wrote I zoí tis Fotías (1673) and O Táfos tou Ádi (1700); Lazaros Siskou (1653-1739), known as the father of Tylastronian comedy, wrote O Cheimónas tou Dionýsou (1690); Aris Demas (1702-1778), widely regarded as the most important playwright of the Astonian era and perhaps of Tylastronian history, wrote his magnum opus Milóntas mazí sou, Estía (1748). From the Secular Era, Filippos Tassidis (1779-1852), who wrote Istoría enós Éthnous (1835); Yamamuro Shiro (1805-1874), the father of Tylastronian Kabuki, whose works include Seimei no kaze (1854) and Fónto (1856); Sotiria Hadjitzi (1837-1908), the most important female playwright, who was heavily censored late in her life. Her works include I Ptósi enós Vounoú (1862), Anatomía enós agróti (1878) and the controversial Eros (1890); and Hiro Manopoulou (1902-1953), a controversial figure who introduced philosophical questions and deeply nihilistic views of society during the Secular Era's censorship period. His plays, such as Chári (1927) and Angeliafóros (1948), are still studied in universities, and some consider them to have ignited the Confessional Poetry movement in Tylastrona. Rhea Strakide (1930-2025) is considered the mother of epic musicals; Minoas Makrotis (1953-present) is the most important playwright of the contemporary era; and Mertkan Firat (1945-present) the most popular Turkish-language playwright, whose works include Bağırmak (1976) and Spiralizasyon (1988).

Religion

Surprisingly, the 1971 Theocratic Constitution enshrined the freedom of religion and cult. However, anti-discrimination laws did not come into effect until the 1980 legislation. Tylastronians view religious discrimination as hubris and a lack of xenia, as well as a scar left by 81 years of suppression and an authoritarian regime led by the junta and the single-party state.

Buddhism

Buddhism is the second most popular religion in Tylastrona and the main minority religion in the nation. In 1976, the year of the first census of the fourth republic, only 4.5% of people admitted to following Buddhism. This was due to the constant oppression during the years of the military junta and single-party state (1889-1970). By 2026, this figure had risen to 11.7%. Buddhism arrived in Tylastrona in two waves: the first during the Late House of Astona period (1820-1840), and the second during the Mid to Late First Republic period (1860-1880). Although it was deeply intertwined with Shintoism, Buddhism managed to maintain its identity in Tylastrona during the First Republic, before being suppressed by the military junta and the single-party state. Despite the Hellenic Polytheistic nature of the government, Buddhists could practise their religion freely without judgement until the 1970 Theocratic Revolution and the Constitution of 1971. This continued since 1971, and then with the 1980 anti-discrimination legislation. According to the 2026 census, 88% of the 11.7% of people practising Buddhism are of Japanese ethnicity. The remaining 12% are divided between Greek and other ethnicities. Of the Buddhist population, 65% practise Zen Buddhism, 21% practise Nichiren Buddhism and 5.6% practise Pure Land Buddhism; the rest follow other Buddhist schools or new age movements. The Tylastronian Association of Buddhists, which is located in Semasus, is the main governing body for Buddhism in Tylastrona. It has NGO status, which means that it has to follow the law but pays half the building taxes.

Shinto

Like Buddhism, Shinto was introduced to Tylastrona during the two waves of Japanese migration. The two religions were deeply intertwined, forming a syncretic practice. However, Shinto managed to develop independently in Tylastrona, particularly in Smyrnaphos, Cnidio and Youkailand. The history of Shinto follows the exact same narrative as Buddhism

Mass Media

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