Rare Old Arabic Map of North America by Esref, 1868: New York, Rocky Mountains, Mississippi River, Great Lakes, Mexico City

The "Amrika Shumali, Yeni Atlas," created in 1868 by the esteemed Ottoman cartographer Hafiz Ali Esref, represents a significant milestone in the history of cartography. As part of the first Ottoman geographical atlas of the world, this map showcases the intricate political and physical landscapes of North America. Hafiz Ali Esref, known for his meticulous work and dedication to expanding the geographical knowledge of the Ottoman Empire, compiled this map with the assistance of Tash Ozrineh, who skillfully drew the map. The map was later translated into Turkish by Itemsadder, ensuring its accessibility to a broader audience within the Ottoman Empire.

This exquisite map is a testament to the cartographic prowess of its creators, highlighting the political and administrative boundaries of North America with remarkable precision. The map delineates the borders between the United States, Canada, Mexico, and parts of Central America and the Caribbean, offering a comprehensive view of the geopolitical landscape of the 19th century. The decorative borders and the use of Ottoman scripts add an element of artistic elegance, reflecting the cultural aesthetics of the period.

The map is rich in detail, showcasing major cities, rivers, lakes, and mountain ranges that define the physical geography of North America. Notable cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Mexico City are prominently featured, providing a glimpse into the urban centers of the time. The map also highlights significant natural landmarks, including the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains, as well as major rivers like the Mississippi and Missouri, which have played crucial roles in the continent's history and development.

One of the most striking features of this map is its depiction of relief through hachures and shadings, which bring the topography of North America to life. The careful representation of mountains, valleys, and plains offers an insightful perspective on the continent's diverse landscapes. This attention to detail not only serves a practical purpose for navigation and understanding but also showcases the artistic skill involved in creating such a map.

The historical significance of the "Amrika Shumali, Yeni Atlas" extends beyond its geographical accuracy. It reflects the Ottoman Empire's interest in global exploration and knowledge during the 19th century, a period marked by significant advancements in science and education. This map is not just a geographical tool but a cultural artifact that encapsulates the spirit of discovery and the pursuit of knowledge that defined the era. Owning such a map is akin to possessing a piece of history, a window into the past that continues to inspire and educate.

Cities and towns on this map

• United States:
• New York
• Los Angeles
• Chicago
• Houston
• Phoenix
• Philadelphia
• San Antonio
• San Diego
• Dallas

• San Jose

• Canada:

• Toronto
• Montreal
• Vancouver
• Calgary

• Ottawa

• Mexico:

• Mexico City
• Guadalajara
• Monterrey

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Landmarks:

• Major mountain ranges (e.g., Rocky Mountains, Appalachian Mountains)

• Bodies of water:

• Major rivers (e.g., Mississippi River, Missouri River)
• Lakes (e.g., Great Lakes)

• Oceans (e.g., Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean)

• Borders:

• Political boundaries between countries and regions

• Mountains:

• Rocky Mountains
• Appalachian Mountains

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Amrika Shumali, Yeni Atlas
• Extra notes:
• Color map
• Shows political boundaries
• The first Ottoman geographical atlas of the world
• Compiled by Hafiz Ali Esref
• Drawn by Tash Ozrineh
• Translated to Turkish by Itemsadder
• Printed with decorative borders
• Printed in Turkish, Ottoman scripts
• Maps showing political and administrative boundaries, major cities, rivers, lakes, and mountains
• Relief shown by hachures and shadings
• When the map was made: 1868
• Mapmaker or publisher: Hafiz Ali Esref
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: Hafiz Ali Esref was a notable figure in Ottoman cartography, contributing significantly to the geographical knowledge of the Ottoman Empire during the 19th century.
• Historical significance or context of the map:
• This map is part of the first Ottoman geographical atlas of the world, signifying the Ottoman Empire's interest in global geography and cartography during the 19th century. It reflects the geopolitical understanding and artistic style of the period.

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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.