Ottoman Empire Mediterranean Sea Map 1913 Katip Çelebi Palestine Turkey Greece Italy Israel
Mediterranean Sea Map from Kâtib Çelebi’s “Tuhfetü’l-Kibâr fî Esfâri’l-Bihâr” (1913 Edition)
Description:
This Ottoman Turkish map depicts the Mediterranean Sea and its surrounding regions, presenting the maritime world through the lens of one of the most important works in Ottoman naval literature. Printed in black and white, the map measures 32.5 × 24.3 cm and originates from the 1329 (1913) edition of “Tuhfetü’l-Kibâr fî Esfâri’l-Bihâr,” published in Istanbul by the Matbaa-i Bahriye (Naval Printing House).
The map illustrates the Mediterranean basin together with the Black Sea and surrounding Ottoman and European territories. Geographic names are printed in Ottoman Turkish, reflecting the cartographic conventions of the late Ottoman period. Visible regions include Palestine (Arz-ı Filistin), Greece, Italy, Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Syria, Spain, and numerous coastal areas that played significant roles in Mediterranean history and commerce.
The source work is of exceptional historical importance. “Tuhfetü’l-Kibâr fî Esfâri’l-Bihâr” (“A Gift to the Great Concerning Naval Campaigns”) was written in 1656 by the renowned Ottoman scholar Kâtib Çelebi and is widely regarded as the first comprehensive Ottoman book devoted to naval history and maritime organization. The work chronicles major Ottoman naval expeditions, conquests, and the careers of the Kapudan Pashas (Grand Admirals) from the foundation of the Ottoman state through the mid-17th century.
The book was printed only twice during the Ottoman period: first in 1141 AH and later in 1329 AH (1913). This map comes from the second and final Ottoman edition, making it particularly desirable for collectors of Ottoman naval history and cartography.
Beyond its geographical content, the map represents the enduring importance of maritime knowledge within Ottoman intellectual and military culture. Maps issued by the Naval Printing House were intended not only as educational tools but also as visual references for understanding the strategic world in which the Ottoman Empire operated.
For collectors, this is a highly attractive piece combining naval history, Ottoman scholarship, and cartography. Its connection to Kâtib Çelebi, one of the empire’s most respected intellectual figures, significantly enhances its historical and collectible value. It is especially appealing to collectors of Ottoman maps, maritime history, Mediterranean studies, and rare printed works.
Key Features:
• Type: Ottoman printed maritime map
• Title: Mediterranean Sea Map from “Tuhfetü’l-Kibâr fî Esfâri’l-Bihâr”
• Author of Source Work: Kâtib Çelebi
• Source Edition: 1329 AH (1913) Ottoman edition
• Publication Place: Istanbul
• Printer: Matbaa-i Bahriye (Naval Printing House)
• Language: Ottoman Turkish
• Dimensions: 32.5 × 24.3 cm
• Color: Black and white
• Geographic Coverage: Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Ottoman territories, and European coastlines
• Visible Regions: Palestine (Arz-ı Filistin), Greece, Italy, Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Syria, Spain, and surrounding areas
• Historical Context: Derived from the first major Ottoman work on naval history and maritime administration
• Rarity: From the second and final Ottoman-era printing of Kâtib Çelebi’s famous work
• Collectible Significance: Desirable for collectors of Ottoman cartography, naval history, Mediterranean studies, and rare printed books