Planet Jedha

Jedha

Jedha, also known as the Pilgrim Moon, or as the Cold Moon, was a small desert moon which orbited the planet NaJedha. Located in the Jedha system of the galaxy's Mid Rim, the moon had a cold climate due to its lasting winter. The historical and spiritual significance of Jedha led the moon to become a world of worship for those who believed in the Force, and a holy site for pilgrims who sought spiritual guidance.

Description

Jedha was a moon located in orbit around the planet NaJedha,[1] situated in the Jedha system[3] of the galaxy's Mid Rim, due galactic west of the Deep Core. 11,263 kilometers in diameter, Jedha was a small desert moon[1] defined by its jagged rock formations, broad mesas, narrow spires,[13] and rocky dustbowls.[9] Frosted by a permanent winter, Jedha had a cold climate[7] and an atmosphere breathable to oxygen-breathers, such as humans.[6] Within the moon's sandstone crust were rich deposits of kyber crystals[3]—Force-attuned crystals that were fundamental in lightsaber construction.[14] Many settlements on the moon, such as the ancient Holy City, sat atop the world's natural mesas.[3] Though Jedha's sands remained parched for much of its year, there were instances of powerful torrents of rainfall, a cause for celebration among the people of Jedha.[13]

Jedha's ancient structures were some of the earliest examples of architecture known to exist in the galaxy. The weathered sandstone structures and statues dotted Jedha's landscape, a testament to its ancient past.[1]

Being an antiquated destination, Jedha was surrounded by uncharted systems, making it a reliable replenishment port for travelers.[1] Jedha was connected to Adrathorpe and the planet Ord Mantell via the Burke's Trailing hyperspace route.[4]

History

The ancient world of Jedha was home to one of the first civilizations to explore the nature of the Force and was considered a spiritual home of the Jedi Order, with many scholars believing the moon owes its name to the ancient religion.[1] Some scholars made a case for Jedha as the location of the Jedi Order's first Temple, alongside other candidate worlds, such as Ahch-To, Coruscant, Ossus, and Tython.[15] As well as the Jedi, the Disciples and Guardians of the Whills represented a dominant faith on Jedha.[1] They, along with the Church of the Force,[3] were centered at the Temple of the Kyber, a great temple located in the city of NiJedha. This spiritual history led to Jedha becoming an important location for pilgrims of various faiths, including those of the Brotherhood of the Beatific Countenance, the Clan of the Toribota, and the Central Isopter.[1]

As more of the galaxy was mapped, more direct hyperspace routes were discovered. These new passages made the old, winding routes, such as those connecting with Jedha, obsolete. The once-popular Jedha became an antiquated curiosity rather than a relevant destination, a location for those who desired spiritual guidance, a deeper purpose, or to simply exile themselves from the larger galaxy.[1]

It was one of the locations mentioned in a chapter of the Rammahgon, an ancient Jedi text written by the Jedi Kli the Elder, alongside Ossus and Xenxiar.[16]

At some point before 5001 BBY or 5000 BBY,[17] by the other side of the Division Wall on the borders of Old City, New City section of the Jedha City was built.[

Population

The moon of Jedha had a human-dominant population, with many other species being pilgrims from other worlds passing through to bask in Jedha's spiritual heritage. Most of Jedha's 11.3 million inhabitants[1] were centered around elevated settlements on rocky mesas,[3] whose streets were filled with priests, scholars and holy men and women.[21] The natives of Jedha were as a whole a spiritual people and were gracious and tolerant of outsiders who practice peace and respect. After Imperial occupation, prohibitions on trade and commerce lead to the cultivation of a black market, with some cynical entrepreneurs making a profit off the disadvantaged populace. Local merchants would offer Imperial officers goods—both legal and illicit—to ensure they were happy and that their attention was diverted from possible infractions. Transportation of goods to and from Jedha became a lucrative business, with only specially licensed spacers allowed access to the moon's spaceports. The subsequent insurgency made life dangerous for the civilians of Jedha, especially with the rebels preferring guerrilla tactics, meaning anywhere could become a warzone instantly.

Locations

Jedha had several settlements across its surface,[3] the most prominent being the ancient Holy City of NiJedha.[1] This large walled city stood atop a large mesa[3] and was a spiritual hub for many faiths. At its edge was the Temple of the Kyber, a towering triangular structure that rose high above the city walls and was held sacred by followers of the Whills[1] and the Church of the Force.[3] Other significant locations in the city included the Holy Quarter, the Path of Judgments, and the Dome of Deliverance.[1]

Located half a day's walk from the city were the Catacombs of Cadera, an ancient monastery[13] that was used to hold the skeletal remains of the dead. At some point, the monastery was occupied by the religious group known as the Church of the Contained Crescent. During the Imperial occupation of Jedha, Saw Gerrera made the Catacombs the base of operations for his Partisans, naming it the Gut.[1]

Located thousands of kilometers away from NiJedha were the desiccated tablelands, an area consisting of massive, barren mesas.

Trivia

This is the current Hub location.