Ottoman Military Map of the Palestine Front Gaza–Beersheba Campaign WW1 Empire 1920s Jerusalem
Ottoman Military Map of the Palestine Front – Gaza–Beersheba Campaign, November 1917, “Filistin No. 28”
Description:
This original Ottoman Turkish military map depicts troop positions and movements during the Palestine Front campaign of the First World War in 1917. Measuring 16.5 × 15.1 cm, the map illustrates the opposing Ottoman and British lines during the fighting around Gaza and Beersheba, providing a compact historical record of the military operations that shaped the subsequent advance towards Jerusalem and northern Palestine.
The map identifies Ottoman defensive positions and British military movements during two specific periods: 7–11 November and 15–17 November 1917. These dates correspond to a critical phase of the campaign, following the British breakthrough along the Gaza–Beersheba line and the subsequent Ottoman withdrawal towards Jerusalem. The marked positions offer insight into the changing front lines and the military situation during this period.
The lower section identifies the item as “Filistin No. 28” (Palestine No. 28). Although the precise book from which the map originated has not been identified, its format and subject matter suggest that it was removed from an Ottoman Turkish publication on the battles of the First World War, possibly published in the early 1920s. Other maps in the same collection depict major Western Front engagements, including the Battle of Verdun, the Battle of Arras and the Battle of Flanders, suggesting that these maps may have belonged to a broader series covering different theatres of the war.
For collectors of Ottoman military history, the First World War and the history of Palestine, this original map is an appealing piece of military ephemera. Its specific date ranges, depiction of opposing forces and “Filistin No. 28” designation make it particularly interesting for documenting the final phase of the Ottoman campaign in southern Palestine and the military events preceding the loss of Jerusalem.
Key Features:
• Title: Ottoman Military Map of the Palestine Front – Gaza–Beersheba Campaign
• Map Designation: Filistin No. 28 (Palestine No. 28)
• Document Type: Ottoman Military Map / Battle Sketch
• Conflict: First World War
• Theatre of War: Palestine Front
• Forces Depicted: Ottoman and British armies
• Historical Coverage: Military positions and movements during 7–11 November and 15–17 November 1917
• Campaign Context: British advance following the breakthrough of the Gaza–Beersheba defensive line and the Ottoman withdrawal towards Jerusalem
• Dimensions: 16.5 × 15.1 cm
• Language: Ottoman Turkish
• Probable Source: An Ottoman Turkish publication on First World War battles, possibly dating from the early 1920s; exact publication unidentified
• Related Maps: Other maps in the collection depict the Battles of Verdun, Arras and Flanders
• Historical Significance: Documents Ottoman and British military positions during a decisive phase of the Palestine campaign
• Collectible Significance: An original Ottoman military map of particular interest to collectors of First World War memorabilia, Ottoman military history and the history of Palestine