The six sim Al Andalus Estate, which recreate 13th century Granada, Spain, including the Alhambra Palaces, has become part of the Confederation of Democratic Sims, the oldest Democracy in Second life.
Al Andalus, two years old in July, was formed as an experiment in forms of democracy (and you can see it featured in our magazine for March 2008). The original premise was to form a democratic government based on authentic Islamic principles. While there remains a strong Islamic presence in Al Andalus, the group has evolved into one whose focus is on tolerance, consensus building and communication.
CDS (which we covered as Sim of the Month in our May 2009 issue) has its own constitution and code of laws, based on the UDHR, and is governed by a Representative Assembly elected by factions. As part of the merger, Al Andalus will send six representatives to the CDS Representative Assembly, whose new term began August 1. With an established system in place, Al Andalus citizens whose energy would otherwise be directed toward mechanical issues can now focus on philosophical and “real” issues. For example, Al Andalus has recently participated in vigils and discussions about the political situation in Iran and is working on establishing a library of Islamic literature, Andalucian Art and Architecture. A museum devoted to tolerance issues is also in the works.
The Confederation of Democratic Sims has enjoyed steady growth over its five years in Second Life, learning many lessons about self-governance in virtual worlds. They plan to share some of those lessons at a Symposium on Self Governance that will be part of the Anniversary/Oktoberfest celebration in late September.
The merger has resulted in physical relocation of the sims on the grid to form a new 11 sim continent. Al Andalus represents the third architectural theme, joining the Bavarian Alpine theme of Neufreistadt, Monastery and Alpine Meadow, and the Roman/Greek themes of Colonia Nova and Locus Amoenus. Al Andalus include Al Andalus Alhambra, with the Alhambra palaces, fortress and Great Mosque, Al Andalus Generalife, which includes a popular caravan market, the Convivencia Institute at the Summer Palace, the Al Zahra Theater and Entertainment site featuring primarily Spanish dance and music, Al Garnata, which houses two libraries and an opera house, Albaycin, a sim devoted to sustainable land management and nature preserve, as well as many other projects of citizens. Strict covenants are enforced in all CDS sims to maintain the quality of life, and beautiful surroundings, its residents enjoy.
Citizenship, in CDS, with voting rights is one benefit of land ownership in any of the 11 sims, and a limited number of sites are available for newcomers in each theme.
An Inaugural/Merger Ball will be held Sunday, August 9 in the Al Garnata Cultural Plaza. The formal, wedding themed celebration kicks off with a piano concert by Winters Kanto at 1 pm slt, continues with ceremonial procession at 2pm and reception from 2-4pm with Dj Soliel Snook of Radio Riel. The public is welcome.
Prim Perfect 