One of the jewels of East Zabrial. A social, religious and commercial hub of the city, centrepiece of the docks and a prime example of classic Zabric architecture. Legends claim that the Emporium was the first human building erected on Teraf, by the earliest settlers from Ellniss. More accurate records date it to around 220, when East Zabrial was already a thriving city. Always an important site, it was renovated, expanded and renamed in the early 1000's. A large statue of the (then recently deceased) Tars Tukas was placed in front of it, though is rather dwarfed by the towering structure it guards.
Externally the Emporium is a vast hall hundreds of feet tall, shaped like an inverted T. Each section is covered by a domed roof. Two even taller towers flank its façade and appear to be joined to the main building, though are actually separate minarets. The towers and façade are made of very pale, almost white stone which is decorated with thousands of tiny, elaborate carvings. Some are pictures, some words and together they are said to tell East Zabrial's entire story. (With certain liberties taken with the truth, however, and a heavy emphasis on the role played by the God Narlan.) A fifty foot high covered porch, especially richly decorated, extends from the centre of the façade. Its gates usually stand open day and night but, in true Zabric fashion, can be sealed and made virtually impregnable if needs be.
The Emporium is basically a trading forum. Its central hall, one exceedingly high single story, is essentially an indoor market. It is split into hundreds of stalls, some of which are owned by private traders but most hired on a short-term basis. Though it sees less of the Ellniss trade than some Zabric forums, it is the chief place to buy and sell fish, seafood and locally manufactured goods. Meeting rooms for negotiating large-scale deals adjoin the hall. However, the Emporium also follows Zabric custom by incorporating religious and social functions alongside its commercial ones. Behind the market hall, separated only by folding screens, is a church to Narlan. That is actually the function of the minarets; church attendants stand on top of them and blow huge conch shell horns to summon worshippers to prayer. Although the market officially shuts for the weekly service, it never really closes and the congregation often visit it afterwards. Also located in the rear wing of the building are a school, a public library and a public baths. Above all else the Tukas Emporium is a public space for free gatherings. Importantly in modern times, it is considered neutral ground by the separatist groups. There are the usual robberies and assaults, but very rarely politically inspired ones. Despite its usual frenzy, it is a place where people can relax.