Sinj

Sinj is the capital and largest city of the Divine Republic of Kresimiria. Uniquely among the nation’s administrative divisions, the metropolitan area of Sinj constitutes the entirety of District I. Consequently, it serves simultaneously as a municipality and a federal electoral district.

Located in the central region of the country along the banks of the Kambel River, Sinj is the administrative, political, financial, and religious heart of the nation. It is home to the Assembly of the Republic, the residence of the Divine Chancellor, and the headquarters of the country’s major financial institutions.

History

Ancient and Pre-Republic Era

According to the Books of Kresimir, Sinj is the “Divine and historic seat” of Chrobatos and the Lord Kresimir. For centuries, it served as a religious pilgrimage site and a trade hub under the Vosti Empire. Its historic “Old Town” is characterized by imperial-era stone architecture and narrow, winding streets centered around the massive Cathedral of the Prophet.

Unification and Capital Status

During the Kresimirian Unification War (1918–1921), the city served as the strategic headquarters for the Centralist Faction and the Revolutionary People’s Council. Following the Centralist victory, the 1921 Constitution formally designated Sinj as the capital of the new Republic (Article 2).

Throughout the 20th century, the city underwent massive expansion. Under the direction of the Council for Development, the marshlands south of the river were drained to create the “New City,” a grid of brutalist government ministries, apartment blocks, and the sprawling campus of Sinj University.

Government and Institutions

As the seat of the Republic, Sinj houses the highest branches of the Kresimirian government. The Government Quarter, located on the north bank of the Kambel, contains:

• The Assembly Building: The meeting place of the legislative branch.
• The Chancellory Palace: The official residence and office of the Divine Chancellor.
• The State Security Complex: The headquarters of the Council for Internal Affairs.
• The Superior Tribunal: The highest court in the land.
• The Federal Archive: The central repository for all state records and laws.

As a Federal District, Sinj elects two Senators to the Assembly. Historically, these seats were the safest in the country for the establishment RPP and its successor, Blue Dawn. However, the district has become increasingly competitive in recent years; in the 2022 election, the liberal Civic Renewal Front (CRF) captured one of the two seats for the first time in history.

Economy and Infrastructure

Sinj is the financial engine of Kresimiria. The “Gold District” is home to the headquarters of major private financial institutions like STP Credit and Sinj Commercial.

It is also the hub of the nation’s telecommunications and media sectors, hosting the headquarters of KresCom and the state broadcaster TRK. Major construction firm GradnjaCorp is also based in the city.

Republic Rail operates its primary hub, Sinj Central Station, in the city center. It is the terminus for the high-speed “Sovereign” line connecting the capital to the industrial hub of Novi Otonik.

Education and Culture

Education

The city is dominated by Sinj University. Founded in 1892, it is the largest university in the country and the premier institution for law, economics, and technology. Its modern, sprawling campus contrasts sharply with its arch-rival, the theological Karlovac University in Decelska. The university attracts students from across the Republic, contributing to the city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Sports

Sinj is the home of FC Sinj, the most successful football club in Kresimirian history. Their matches against NK Moravice United from Brod Moravice are known as the Holy Derby. The rivalry is intense and politically charged, often requiring the deployment of the Civil Order Force to maintain peace in the city on match days. The club plays at the 60,000-seat Divine Arena.

Landmarks

• The Cathedral of the Prophet: The seat of the High Archbishop and the Council for Divinity.
• Victory Square: A massive public plaza featuring monuments to the Divine Founders, often the site of state parades.
• The Kambel Embankment: A popular promenade along the river, lined with cafes and shops.