Rare Old Arabic Map of the Middle East by Esref, 1893: Ottoman Empire, Jerusalem, Mecca, Arabian Peninsula

Embark on a historical journey with the exquisite "Ottoman Empire and Surrounding Regions" map, a masterpiece crafted by the renowned Turkish cartographer Hafiz Ali Esref in 1893. This map is not merely a navigational tool but a window into the past, offering a glimpse into the vast expanse of the Ottoman Empire at the zenith of its power. Hafiz Ali Esref, a luminary in the field of cartography and geography, utilized his profound knowledge and skills to create a map that is both a work of art and a valuable historical document. His meticulous attention to detail and dedication to accuracy have rendered this map an indispensable resource for historians and enthusiasts alike, capturing the essence of an era when the Ottoman Empire was a pivotal player on the global stage.

The map itself is a testament to the complexity and diversity of the Ottoman Empire, detailing not only the political borders and provinces but also the rich tapestry of physical landscapes that defined the region. From the rugged Taurus and Zagros mountains to the serene waters of the Mediterranean and Red Seas, each feature is delineated with precision. This detailed political and physical map goes beyond mere geography, chronicling the major cities, towns, and the lifelines of trade that connected them. Cities like Baghdad, Damascus, and Jerusalem are marked, their historical significance underscored by their prominence on the map. The inclusion of trade routes further illuminates the economic vitality of the Ottoman Empire, showcasing its role as a bridge between East and West.

In a script that evokes the elegance and complexity of the era, the map is inscribed in Ottoman Turkish, with place names rendered in both Arabic and Ottoman Turkish scripts. This linguistic choice not only adds to the map's authenticity but also reflects the cultural and administrative intricacies of the Ottoman Empire. It is a nod to the empire's rich heritage, a melting pot of languages, religions, and cultures that thrived under Ottoman rule. The dual script serves as a reminder of the empire's vast reach and its ability to encompass a multitude of identities within its borders.

The "Ottoman Empire and Surrounding Regions" map is not just a geographical representation; it is a historical artifact that captures the geopolitical landscape of the late 19th century. It delineates the borders of neighboring entities such as Egypt, the Hejaz, and various parts of the Arabian Peninsula, offering insights into the complex relationships and territorial disputes of the time. The map also extends to include significant portions of Africa and Asia, highlighting the Ottoman Empire's extensive influence and interactions with neighboring regions. This comprehensive coverage makes the map a valuable resource for understanding the dynamics of power, trade, and diplomacy in a pivotal period of history.

As part of a larger collection held in the Turkish National Library, this map by Hafiz Ali Esref stands as a monument to the cartographic excellence and historical significance of the Ottoman Empire. It offers scholars, collectors, and history enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to explore the empire's legacy from a unique vantage point. Whether as a focal point in a distinguished collection or as a tool for academic research, this map is a treasure trove of information, inviting viewers to delve into the intricacies of a bygone era and discover the stories etched in its landscapes and borders.

Cities and towns on this map

• Iraq:
• Baghdad (5,393,440)
• Mosul (1,749,000)
• Basra (1,470,000)
• Najaf (1,000,000)
• Karbala (700,000)
• Kirkuk (500,000)
• Sulaymaniyah (400,000)
• Erbil (350,000)
• Tikrit (250,000)
• Ramadi, Fallujah, Amara, Kut, Diwaniyah, Hillah, Nasiriyah, Baqubah, Zakho, Dohuk, Sinjar, Haditha, Al-Qaim, Rutba, Al-Ubayyid, Al-Diwaniyah, Al-Kut, Al-Hillah, An-Nasiriyah, Khanaqin, Mandali, Jassan, Afak, Altin Kopru, Tuz Khurmatu, Chamchamal, Penjwen, Rania, Aqrah, Amadiyah, Umm Qasr, Safwan, Az Zubayr, Al Faw, Al Basrah al Qadimah (All with populations around 100,000-200,000)
• Iran:
• Tehran (8,693,706)
• Mashhad (3,001,184)
• Isfahan (2,068,383)
• Karaj (1,592,492)
• Tabriz (1,585,941)
• Shiraz (1,565,572)
• Qom (1,201,158)
• Ahvaz (1,184,788)
• Kermanshah (946,681)
• Urmia (736,224)
• Yazd, Rasht, Zanjan, Hamadan, Sanandaj, Kerman, Bukan, Qazvin, Dezful, Arak, Eslamshahr, Malayer, Maragheh (Populations ranging from 349,842 to 529,983)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Borders:
• Ottoman Empire
• Egypt
• Anglo-Egyptian Sudan
• Eritrea
• Abyssinia
• Italian Somaliland
• British Somaliland
• Aden
• Hejaz
• Nejd
• Al-Hasa
• Kuwait
• Iraq
• Syria
• Palestine
• Transjordan
• Lebanon
• Cyprus
• Bodies of water:
• Mediterranean Sea
• Red Sea
• Persian Gulf
• Arabian Sea
• Caspian Sea
• Lake Van
• Lake Urmia
• Dead Sea
• Mountains:
• Taurus Mountains
• Anti-Taurus Mountains
• Zagros Mountains
• Elburz Mountains
• Sinai Peninsula
• Other:
• Mecca
• Medina
• Jerusalem
• Damascus
• Baghdad
• Mosul
• Basra
• Kuwait City
• Riyadh
• Jeddah
• Aden
• Berbera
• Zeila
• Massawa
• Asmara
• Addis Ababa
• Mogadishu
• Hargeisa
• Socotra

Historical and design context

• The map is titled "Ottoman Empire and Surrounding Regions."
• Created by Hafiz Ali Esref in 1893, a Turkish cartographer and geographer renowned for his detailed maps of the Ottoman Empire.
• It is a political and physical map, showing the borders of the Ottoman Empire and its provinces, as well as major physical features like mountains, rivers, and deserts.
• The map also details the locations of major cities and towns, along with the routes of major trade routes.
• Written in Ottoman Turkish, with place names in both Arabic and Ottoman Turkish script, highlighting the linguistic diversity of the empire.
• Provides a detailed snapshot of the Ottoman Empire at the end of the 19th century, making it a valuable historical document.
• Part of a larger collection of maps created by Hafiz Ali Esref, now held in the Turkish National Library.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.