Aztlani

Lapeenkoski, Cynedryca

Nawatoru

The **Aztlani** are the people who are closely identified & associated with Aztlán. Whether it is through culture, race, residential, linguistic, or legal definitions.

Aztlán, in its modern form, would gain independence from Ninhundland in 1823. From here, founding father Felix von Götzen would fuse the cultural traits of the Asutekan Empire with the Guthic People from Ninhundland. This would create a unique sense of multi-ethnic nationalism that has defined Aztlán since its inception.

The largest language spoken in Aztlán is Nawa-Brander. Although Nawatoru & Branderlander are also big languages that are spoken by many within Aztlán. Other languages spoken include Michise, Flondarian & Widonian.

## History

The Aztlani people draw their origin from the Ninhundish Conquest of the Asutekan Empire. The area that encompasses modern day Aztlán has had many civilizations call it home. From the ancient Ōlmēka to the Mejkālāns & Asutekans. The common language of pre-Eporan Aztlán was typically Classical Nawatoru due to the expansive Asutekan Empire. However, once the Ninhundish arrived, the overarching language would become Branderlander. Intermixture between the Ninhundish & Asutekan people along with other indigenous cultures led to the eventual creation of the Aztlani identity. Although it would be independence that would cement this identity.

## Definition

The term Aztlani is believed to be derived from a combination of the name for the Asutekan god of war Meztli & the word Asutekan. This can be translated to Moon from Meztli & Asutekan which has been believed to symbolize that the Aztlanis are the moon on Earth. This has given way to several mystical & mythical theories concerning Tenochtitlán & indigenous civilization in Aztlán in general.

Although the term Aztlani itself wouldn't be coined until independence in 1823. When Founding Father Felix would create the label & make it the national endonym.

## Ethnic Groups & Definitions

Aztlán is very ethnically diverse. Within the Aztlani Constitution, there is an article that defines Aztlán as one & indivisible. The Constitution also defines the country as a pluricultural nation that derives from its indigenous & colonial roots. With the exception of the Michise minority, Aztlán does not have clearly defined ethnic or racial divides. Often times, people will simply refer to themselves as being of Aztlani heritage or background even if their heritage draws from elsewhere. This is most evident in Eporan ancestry in Aztlán. Whether they are Guthic, Trekkish, or even Widonian. It is typical for Aztlanis of Eporan background to simply state their heritage is Aztlani & not anything else. In addition, the creation of a common identity despite ethnic variation led to the suppression of ethnic division & the emphasis of a national ideology concerning halbblut or "mixed blood".

### White Aztlanis

Although Aztlanis are noted for having a mixture of indigenous blood within them, many still have ancestry tracing to Central Eporan. Eporan Aztlanis are also considered Guthic through language & culture.

Many Eporans arrived to Aztlán during the colonial period when Aztlán was the Ninhundish colony of Neue Branderland. Although a significant portion of these people were derived either from the Trekkish Krieg or the importation of indentured servants from the Osmanli Empire in the case of the Eyjanics or Vizelians. Despite this, Eporans would comprise much of the upper class. This was most common amongst the Ninhundish colonizers. However, there are records of several prominent Eyjanic noble families in colonial Aztlán. There is also the prominence of the Trekkish Uskovsky noble family which would become the 2nd half of the modern day von Götzen-Uskovsky dynasty.

Anyways, many "White" Aztlanis speak Branderlander & participate in Ninhundish cultural traditions regardless of ethnic background. Whether it is drinking a bottle of Jägermeister or participating in Oktoberfest. Ninhundish culture reverberates throughout the Eporan Aztlani community.

### Indigenous Aztlanis

The indigenous people of Aztlán have endured much throughout Aztlani history. Despite some scholars putting their numbers in the hundreds of millions pre-Seilderian contact, the indigenous now number just over 25 million.

In addition, many indigenous cultures have been wiped out or absorbed into the dominant Asutekan culture. The Mejkālāns & Kuratans are the only other two prominent indigenous cultures that haven't been completely or entirely absorbed by the Asutekans. Regardless, the indigenous are a proud people. They cherish their traditions while embracing an Aztlani identity. As much as the Ninhundish are considered the face of Aztlán, the Natives are also considered an essential part of Aztlani identity. Often, outside of Aztlán, Aztlanis are considered by how indigenous they look. This has led to foreigners being surprised at how small the indigenous caste is when compared to the other ethnic groups in Aztlán.

Nonetheless, Native Aztlanis have continued to show off their culture. Annually, large celebrations are held in Tenochtitlán that emphasize a pan-indigenous ethnic identity & indigenous ethnic nationalism. The Imperial Government has allowed for a few Asutekan communities to even remain traditional to preserve the indigenous way of life.

### Hezrana Aztlanis

The Hezrana people in Aztlán mainly draw from the 1800s onwards. They are mostly composed of Michise or Ashian descent. Although more recently, immigration has brought those of Jindouese & Kiwi background into Aztlán. They are the only large ethnic caste in Aztlán that is considered divergent from the national identity.

Despite attempts at molding Hezrana cultures & traditions as was done with the Eporans & indigenous, many Hezrana immigrants remained culturally defiant & distinct. This is believed to have held a dual effect. While Hezrana culture is more distinct & expansive in Aztlán, this was & is the focal point of much discrimination against Hezrana people from both Eporan & indigenous Aztlanis. The main target being the Michise ethnic group in Aztlán. Although many Ashians were able to escape this discrimination & often benefitted from it. This contributed to a split in the Hezrana community that is still evident in modern day Aztlán.

Anyways, the discrimination aimed at the Hezrana people is believed to have been a great source of resentment that eventually culminated in the coup in the early 1900s that would lead to the creation of the first Xinmei Nation by Xicohtencatl Zun. Despite facing such hurdles, the Hezrana community in Aztlán would continue to fluorish. Growing as high as 30-40 million in modern day Aztlán. They are considered the 3rd largest ethnic caste after Eporan & Indigenous.