Qarth

 

Qarth is a great trading city located on the southern coast of Essos, on the straits linking the Summer Sea to the Jade Sea. Ships from Westeros, theFree Cities, the Summer Islands, and Slaver's Bay all pass through the Straits of Qarth on their way to the great trading cities of the Jade Sea, such asYi Ti and Asshai.

Unlike most cities in Essos, Qarth has no fear of the Dothraki, as the forbidding and vast Red Waste divides it from the Dothraki sea. Nor was Qarth ever conquered by the old Valyrian Freehold. The Red Waste also separates Qarth from land-based travel with other parts of Essos, though it is a major port that conducts brisk maritime trade with major cities from Westeros to Asshai. Qarth seems to be located in an oasis, as the inside of the city is tropical, despite being surrounded by a desert. 

Qarth is defended by immense stone walls and strong gates. The Qartheen have been known to bar entry to the city to those who do not meet their approval. The bones of those who were denied entry can be found extending around its walls. This area is sometimes called the "Garden of Bones".

 

The people of Qarth are known as the Qartheen and call their home, "The greatest city that ever was or will be." Qarth is an oligarchy ruled by a council of nobles and merchants known as the Thirteen, most of which are members of the Pureborn, an aristocracy descending from the deposedKings of Qarth. Although they rule by consensus, a member of the Thirteen can overrule the decision of the rest by invoking sumai, pledging their life and their blood to back up their decision.

 

Status is quite important among the Qartheen. They tend to be quite concerned about appearances, with men wearing vests which are covered in extravagant gold tracing and jewelry on the front. Women sometimes dye their hair to appear more exotic. Both men and women decorate their clothing with gold pieces shaped like insects and encrusted with jewels. Appearances, however, are not only a matter of status among the Qartheen, but also of survival, as, among the Thirteen for exaple, those who do not hold hereditary seats will keep them only for as long as they can appear wealthy and powerful before the eyes of the other twelve members.