Zamboula was a Turan-controlled city in the Kharamun Desert, during the Hyborian Age. The city is ruled by a khan, Akter during Conan's youth, followed by Jungir after Akter's death.

Surrounded by a ring of oases and the westernmost outpost of the Turanian Empire, Zamboula was originally settled centuries ago as a small trading post by the advancing Stygian armies. The city was populated by Stygians with their Shemite and Kushite slaves and was swiftly growing when the Turanians pushed the Stygians back a generation ago. The city, full of towers and minarets, is now settled by a myriad of people who keep demonstrating their languages, customs, and colors proudly. The streets at night are well-lit through a myriad of bronze lanterns but deserted as cannibalistic Darfari slaves stalk the streets at night for prey. Although this is well known by the populace, they turn a blind eye to the loss of foreigners and gutter trash in fear of a possible Darfari revolt if the practice is ended.

Origin

Zamboula was created by Robert E. Howard in his story Shadows in Zamboula (which appeared in Weird Tales; November 1935), and adapted in Savage Sword of Conan #14 (September 1976), written by Roy Thomas and penciled by Neal Adams.