Russia 1867 Ottoman Atlas Map Ottoman Empire Caucasus Black Sea

Ottoman Map of Russia from Sağir Coğrafya Atlası by Mustafa Hami Pasha – 1284 AH (1867)

Description:

This original Ottoman Turkish map depicts the Russian Empire and was published in 1284 AH (1867 AD) as part of the Sağir Coğrafya Atlası, authored by Mustafa Hami Pasha and printed in Istanbul. Measuring 23 × 19.3 cm, the map is presented in color and illustrates the vast territorial expanse of Russia, including the Black Sea and the Caucasus region, offering a clear view of the empire’s southern and western frontiers.

The atlas itself is considered among the earliest examples of Ottoman educational cartography, created with the purpose of introducing modern geographic knowledge to students. At a time when the Ottoman Empire was actively reforming its educational system, works like this played a crucial role in bridging traditional learning with contemporary European scientific approaches.

Mustafa Hami Pasha, originally a military physician (Mirliva) and a graduate of the Mekteb-i Tıbbiye-i Şahane, was a prolific and versatile Ottoman intellectual. He authored more than thirty works across disciplines such as medicine, military science, and education. In preparing this atlas, he drew extensively from French geographical sources, adapting Western cartographic techniques into an Ottoman educational framework. This synthesis of knowledge is clearly visible in the structure, clarity, and geographic scope of the map.

Beyond its educational function, this piece stands as a particularly meaningful document in the context of Ottoman-Russian relations. The depiction of the Black Sea and the Caucasus—regions of long-standing strategic and political importance—highlights the geographical awareness of an empire closely engaged with its northern neighbor. For collectors, this map offers not only aesthetic and cartographic value but also a historically charged perspective on one of the Ottoman Empire’s most significant geopolitical counterparts in the 19th century.

Key Features:

• Type: Ottoman printed map

• Title: Russia

• Source: Sağir Coğrafya Atlası

• Author: Mustafa Hami Pasha

• Date: 1284 AH (1867 AD)

• Place of Publication: Istanbul

• Language: Ottoman Turkish (Arabic script)

• Region Depicted: Russian Empire, including the Black Sea and the Caucasus

• Color: Original colored map

• Dimensions: 23 × 19.3 cm

• Cartographic Context: Early Ottoman educational atlas influenced by French geographic sources

• Historical Significance: Reflects Ottoman geographical perspective on the Russian Empire during a period of close political and military interaction

• Collectible Significance: Rare Ottoman map highlighting Russia and strategically important neighboring regions