Introducing the "Zemlja Srba, Hrvata, Slovenaca," a captivating cartographic masterpiece crafted by Marcel Kolin in 1917. This extraordinary map is not merely a depiction of geographical boundaries but a vivid representation of the aspirations and dreams of a united Yugoslavia during the tumultuous times of World War I. Published in Buenos Aires, this map was a beacon of hope for Yugoslav emigrants in South America, rallying support for the creation of an independent nation encompassing the territories of Serbians, Croats, and Slovenes.
Marcel Kolin, the distinguished mapmaker behind this creation, was deeply invested in the political and ethnographic landscape of the Balkans. His work reflects a meticulous attention to detail, showcasing political and administrative boundaries, capitals, major cities, towns, roads, railroads, mines, fortresses, and monasteries. Kolin's dedication to the cause of an independent Yugoslavia is evident in the intricate design and comprehensive data presented on this map, making it a valuable historical document and a work of art.
The map provides a rich tapestry of the regions it covers, including Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, along with parts of Italy, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Albania. The Adriatic Sea (Jadransko More) forms a stunning backdrop to the western territories, while the relief shading brings to life the rugged mountain ranges and serene rivers that crisscross the landscape. The inclusion of population tables and a color-coded legend further enhances the map's utility and depth, offering a comprehensive view of the envisioned Yugoslav territories.
Among the notable features, the map highlights various fortresses and monasteries, symbols of the region's rich historical and cultural heritage. The detailed depiction of roads and railroads underscores the infrastructural aspirations of the time, aiming to connect the diverse regions into a cohesive and prosperous nation. The inset map, "Position des territoires Serbes-Croates-Slovenes (Yugosloves)," provides additional context, situating the Yugoslav territories within the broader European landscape.
This map is not just a geographical representation but a poignant reminder of a pivotal moment in history. It captures the fervent hopes and dreams of a people striving for unity and independence amidst the chaos of war. The "Zemlja Srba, Hrvata, Slovenaca" stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Yugoslav emigrants and their unwavering commitment to the creation of a unified nation.
Cities and towns on this map
- Serbia:
- Belgrade
- Niš
- Novi Sad
- Kragujevac
- Subotica
- Zrenjanin
- Pančevo
- Smederevo
- Šabac
- Valjevo
- Leskovac
- Zaječar
- Požarevac
- Kruševac
- Vranje
- Užice
-
Čačak
-
Croatia:
- Zagreb
- Split
- Rijeka
- Osijek
- Zadar
- Slavonski Brod
- Karlovac
- Varaždin
- Šibenik
- Dubrovnik
- Sisak
- Bjelovar
- Pula
- Koprivnica
- Vinkovci
- Vukovar
-
Samobor
-
Slovenia:
- Ljubljana
- Maribor
- Celje
- Kranj
- Velenje
- Novo Mesto
- Ptuj
- Trbovlje
- Jesenice
- Nova Gorica
- Murska Sobota
-
Koper
-
Bosnia and Herzegovina:
- Sarajevo
- Banja Luka
- Mostar
- Zenica
- Tuzla
- Bihać
- Bijeljina
- Prijedor
- Trebinje
-
Doboj
-
Montenegro:
- Podgorica
- Nikšić
- Herceg Novi
- Pljevlja
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Inset maps:
- "Position des territoires Serbes-Croates-Slovenes (Yugosloves)"
- Landmarks:
- Fortresses
- Monasteries
- Bodies of water:
- Adriatic Sea (Jadransko More)
- Various rivers and lakes (unnamed in the list)
- Borders:
- Political and administrative boundaries between envisioned Yugoslav territories and neighboring regions.
- Mountains:
- Various mountain ranges depicted with relief shading.
- Other notable features:
- Roads and railroads
- Mines
Historical and design context
-
Name of the map: Zemlja Srba, Hrvata, Slovenaca
-
When the map was made: 1917
-
Mapmaker or publisher: Marcel Kolin
- Published in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Topics and themes shown on the map:
- Political boundaries: The envisioned future nation of Yugoslavia.
- Ethnographic distribution: Territories of Serbians, Croats, and Slovenes.
- Infrastructure: Roads, railroads, mines, fortresses, monasteries.
- Natural features: Mountains, rivers, lakes.
- Countries and regions shown on the map:
- Serbia
- Croatia
- Slovenia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Montenegro
- Parts of Italy, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Albania.
- Design or style of the map:
- Detailed political and physical map with relief shown by shadings.
- Color-coded regions to depict different territories and ethnographic areas.
- Includes inset map, population tables, and legends for better understanding.
- Historical significance or context of the map:
- Created during World War I, before the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
- Reflects the aspirations for the creation of an independent Yugoslav state.
- Used as a propaganda tool to garner support from Yugoslav emigrants in South America.
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 40in (100cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.