Narnia discussion

The capital city of Calormen, a great empire south of the land of Narnia. Tashbaan is a great city built on an island in the delta of a great river in the northern part of Calormen, just two days' ride south of Archenland (the small country between Narnia and Calormen) but several weeks ride from the southern parts of Calormen. It is described as one of the wonders of the world. The city is a hot and crowded place, though with fine streets, magnificent palaces, and gardens. It is built on a natural slope, rising to the palace of the Tisroc and the great Temple of Tash at the pinnacle of the hill. The palace of the Tisroc is described as magnificent beyond description and opens onto gardens that run right down to the river wall. Tashbaan is surrounded by a strong wall that rises out of the water and is reached by long bridges from both banks, providing the only place where crossing the great river of Calormen is possible for many miles. The banks of the river are lined with gardens and country houses. The city's name is clearly derived from the name of the god Tash; Paul Ford identifies baan with the Arabic for "house of". This is only found in the Horse and His Boy.