 Design inspiration came from a mix of medieval Mediterranean countries as demonstrated by the architectural styles found throughout Ivalice along with many of the races populating the region . The art team , led by art directors Hideo Minaba and Isamu <unk> , visited Turkey , which influenced the game 's Mediterranean @-@ style setting . The developers also used styles and deco from other sources including areas in India and New York City . Of note is the use of Sanskrit in the city of Bhujerba . Phrases such as " <unk> " ( welcome ) and titles like " <unk> " ( guide ) are lifted directly from Sanskrit . Minaba mentions that the team tried to bring out Arabic culture in the design of the game . War is a prominent theme of the game and the developers stated that the cutscene battles are influenced by Ancient Rome . When asked to comment on the fan observation of a Star Wars influence , Minaba replied that although he was a fan of the series , it was not necessarily an influence to the game 's designs . 
