Switzerland 1867 Ottoman Atlas Map Ottoman Empire Europe

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

Description:

This original Ottoman Turkish map depicts Switzerland (Svis) 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 23.5 × 19.3 cm, the map is presented in color and illustrates Switzerland along with its neighboring regions, including France and Italy, offering a clear representation of its geographic position within Western Europe.

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 map highlights Switzerland’s position at the crossroads of major European cultures and territories. The clear depiction of its borders with France and Italy emphasizes its geographic and political context within 19th-century Europe. For collectors, this piece offers a refined and visually appealing example of how an Ottoman scholar interpreted Western Europe, combining educational purpose with cartographic elegance.

Key Features:

• Type: Ottoman printed map

• Title: Svis (Switzerland)

• Source: Sağir Coğrafya Atlası

• Author: Mustafa Hami Pasha

• Date: 1284 AH (1867 AD)

• Place of Publication: Istanbul

• Language: Ottoman Turkish (Arabic script)

• Region Depicted: Switzerland and neighboring regions including France and Italy

• Color: Original colored map

• Dimensions: 23.5 × 19.3 cm

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

• Historical Significance: Reflects Ottoman geographical interpretation of Western Europe in the 19th century

• Collectible Significance: Rare Ottoman map focusing on Switzerland and its European context