Gaselys

Gaselys is a fictional city featured in the works of French author, China Miéville. Described primarily in his novel Perdido Street Station and mentioned in other Bas-Lag works, Gaselys serves as the capital city and heart of the nation of New Crobuzon.

Gaselys is depicted as a sprawling, decaying metropolis, a densely populated urban center rife with social and political tensions. It is characterized by a complex and oppressive bureaucracy, widespread poverty, and extreme social stratification. The city's physical environment is one of pollution, grime, and architectural decay, reflecting the moral and economic decay of its society.

The city’s inhabitants are a diverse mix of humans and various non-human species collectively referred to as "xenians," including cactus people, garuda, khepris, and vodyanoi. This diverse population exists under a system of strict laws and regulations enforced by the militia and various criminal organizations.

Gaselys’ economy is largely driven by industry and trade, though its prosperity is unevenly distributed. Significant areas of the city are controlled by criminal elements, adding to the sense of lawlessness and danger. The city's architecture reflects its history and social divisions, ranging from grand, decaying structures to sprawling, impoverished slums.

Gaselys stands as a significant example of a dystopian urban setting in fantasy literature, often drawing comparisons to Victorian London or other industrial-era cities. Its depiction explores themes of social injustice, technological advancement, and the consequences of unchecked power.