Queluz

Queluz is the capital and largest city of Watan. The city lies against the Maraso Menor and is the most densely populated city in the nation as well as the Greater Ladige Area which is a encompassing several large nearby cities in the Ladige Valley. Established in (year), the city is one of the oldest continuously settled cities in Watan. As of 2022, Queluz proper is home to approximately 3.3 million residents, while the metropolitan area hosts over 7.5 million inhabitants and is therefore one of the most populous cities in Alutra. Including the Greater Telana Area, the Queluz-Telana metropolis would be considered a with nearly 11 million people.

Queluz is recognised as an alpha-level because of its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education and tourism. Along with Alhadas, Queluz is recognized as one of Watan's two global cities. Its business district hosts Watan's stock exchange, and the headquarters of national and international banks and companies. In terms of GDP, Queluz is the wealthiest city in Watan.

Queluz was founded in (year) by Manuak settlers from Haksarad, claiming the land for its plentiful salt flats against the Maraso Menor. Previous to Manuaks, the land where Queluz stands today was inhabited by several Tilargi fishing settlements against the Menor and its respective estuaries. This Manuak settlement dubbed "NAME" originally grew for both its aforementioned salt flats as well as its plentiful fish and soil. Those living in NAME would be left abandoned by the time the Manuaks left Watan after facing resistance from native peoples. Following Manuak settlement, Ventoran conquerors inhabited the city soon after Watan's absorption into Ventora. Over time, NAME became Queluz after the evolution of the Watanese language. Queluz was the capital of the Duchy of Watan during its time under Ventoran rule. Queluz would see a large spike in population during this time as foundations for the modern city were put into place by large amounts of Ventorans calling the city home.

Following Watan's independence, Queluz has always been the metaphorical, historical, and cultural center of Watan. It was also home to many of the greatest Watanese in history. Queluz's streets became a battle zone in 1861 after the beginning of the Queluz Revolution which deposed the monarchy in favor of a democratic government. During the Second World War, Queluz was bombed aerially following Jacinto Álvares' request that Watanese troops be sent to fight Velorenkya in Esharat. Queluz also saw action during the 2016 Watanese coup d'état attempt as the Bridge of Queluz was blocked by rebel military groups and skirmishes occurred all across the city in the 11 hour battle for the nation.

Today, Queluz is home to many cultural and historic buildings, landmarks, and parks which scatter the city. In recent years, the Queluz Transport Institution (Instituição de Transportes de Queluz; ITQ) has undergone endeavors to increase and  transportation over car-centric architecture. Queluz is ranked one of the best cities for bicycling infrastructure in Alutra.

Etymology
The name Queluz means "(thing) of light'" in Watanese. The name appeared during the Ventoran rule of Watan. This title was likely given to Queluz due to the way reflected the sun across the city's many salt flats and estuaries. The first documented use of "Queluz" was in 1100 A.D. in a Ventoran fairy tale which takes place in the mountains of Watan.

International relations
As of 2022, # out of # World Forum members currently operate embassies out of Queluz. During Watanese summits, Queluz is often the location picked for the meeting due to its prominence.

Sister cities
Queluz has several as stated on its website.


 * Alero - Tetmosi
 * Koranel - Bellard