Tashbaan was the capital of Calormen and the seat of its ruler, the Tisroc. The city was built on an island in a river at the northern border of the empire. The city was surrounded by a great wall that rose out of the river. It was reached by long bridges on both banks, providing the only way to travel over the river for many miles. The banks of the river were lined with gardens and country houses. Though the city was hot and crowded, the streets were fine, and it was home to magnificent palaces and gardens.