Ottoman 1912 Near East Map Israel Palestine Lebanon Jordan Syria

Ottoman Historical Map of the Near East – From “Büyük Tarih-i Umumi” by Ahmet Refik (c. 1912)

Description:

This original Ottoman Turkish map is taken from the book “Büyük Tarih-i Umumi” by Ahmet Refik, printed in Istanbul around 1328 AH (c. 1912) by Kitaphane-i İslam ve Askeri. Measuring 23.8 × 16 cm, the map represents a refined example of early 20th-century Ottoman historical cartography, produced for educational and scholarly purposes.

The map depicts the Near East and the region historically known as Canaan, focusing on the ancient and biblical-period geography of the area. It illustrates tribal settlements and territorial divisions associated with early historical narratives, including the Twelve Tribes of Israel, as well as regions such as Judea and Moab. These are labeled in Ottoman Turkish, reflecting how global historical knowledge was adapted and taught within the Ottoman intellectual framework.

A clearly printed legend in the lower right corner indicates the cartographic scale as 1:2,000,000, demonstrating a structured and modern approach to mapmaking. The legend also includes period terminology related to historical governance and communities, offering insight into how such subjects were interpreted and presented in Ottoman historiography.

The map covers territories corresponding to present-day Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, with Palestine specifically marked. Its use of color enhances the visual distinction between regions, making it both an informative and aesthetically appealing piece.

As part of a widely respected historical publication, this map reflects the late Ottoman effort to synthesize classical, religious, and modern historical knowledge into accessible educational materials. For collectors, it offers a compelling combination of historical narrative, cartographic clarity, and cultural perspective.

Key Features:

• Type: Ottoman printed historical map

• Title: Near East / Canaan (from Büyük Tarih-i Umumi)

• Author: Ahmet Refik

• Publication: Büyük Tarih-i Umumi

• Date: 1328 AH (c. 1912)

• Printer/Publisher: Kitaphane-i İslam ve Askeri, Istanbul

• Language: Ottoman Turkish

• Region Depicted: Near East including present-day Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon

• Subject: Biblical and ancient tribal geography (Twelve Tribes, Judea, Moab, etc.)

• Scale: 1:2,000,000

• Color: Colored map

• Dimensions: 23.8 × 16 cm

• Notation: Includes legend with historical terminology and regional classifications

• Historical Significance: Reflects Ottoman interpretation of biblical and ancient Near Eastern geography

• Collectible Significance: Educational historical map combining religious, historical, and cartographic elements