Rare Old Birdseye Map of Damascus by Koppmayr, 1684: Domes, Minarets, Mountains, Greenery, Human Activities

The "Bird's Eye View of Damascus," created by Jakob Koppmayr in 1684, is a rare and detailed depiction of one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. This exquisite map offers a unique perspective of Damascus, showcasing its rich history and vibrant culture through intricate illustrations and meticulous craftsmanship. Koppmayr, a renowned mapmaker from Augsburg, was celebrated for his ability to capture the essence of cities with remarkable precision, and this map is a testament to his skill and artistry.

This map of Damascus is not just a geographical representation but a window into the past, highlighting the city's significant neighborhoods and landmarks. The clustered buildings and winding streets of the ancient city are meticulously detailed, providing a glimpse into the urban layout of Damascus in the late 17th century. The prominent domes and minarets that dot the skyline are beautifully illustrated, reflecting the city's architectural heritage and its importance as a center of Islamic culture and learning.

The surrounding natural landscape is equally captivating, with detailed illustrations of the mountains and lush greenery that encircle the city. The map captures the essence of Damascus's unique geographical setting, nestled between mountains and enriched by the Barada River, which has been the lifeblood of the city for millennia. The depiction of trees and open spaces around the city adds depth and context, emphasizing the harmonious blend of urban and natural elements that characterize Damascus.

Koppmayr's map also offers a glimpse into the daily life and activities of the people of Damascus. The foreground is animated with human figures engaged in various pursuits, providing a lively and dynamic contrast to the serene and timeless cityscape. This artistic choice not only enhances the visual appeal of the map but also adds a layer of narrative, inviting viewers to imagine the vibrant life within the ancient city walls.

The historical significance of this map cannot be overstated. It serves as a valuable artifact that connects us to the past, offering insights into the urban planning, architecture, and daily life of Damascus over three centuries ago. For collectors and enthusiasts of historical maps, Koppmayr's "Bird's Eye View of Damascus" is a prized piece that embodies the confluence of art, history, and geography, making it a truly exceptional addition to any collection.

Streets and roads on this map

The map does not have clearly labelled streets or roads that can be confirmed with visual analysis, so this category is not applicable.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Detailed illustrations of trees and natural landscapes in the foreground
• Human figures engaged in various activities in the foreground
• Prominent buildings and structures within the city of Damascus, including domes and minarets
• General layout of the city with clustered buildings and streets
• Open spaces and greenery around the city

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Bird's Eye View of Damascus
• Scarce view of Damascus
• Detailed bird's-eye view of Damascus, published in Augsburg by Jakob Koppmayr
• A fine dark impression
• When the map was made: 1684
• Mapmaker or publisher: Jakob Koppmayr
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: Jakob Koppmayr was known for creating detailed and intricate views of cities during the 17th century. Augsburg, where he published this map, was a significant center for mapmaking in Europe at the time.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Bird's-eye view of the city of Damascus
• Depictions of natural landscapes, including mountains and trees
• Human activities and settlements around the city
• Countries and regions shown on the map: Damascus, which is in present-day Syria
• Context about the design or style of the map:
• Pictorial map with a bird's-eye view perspective
• Detailed illustrations of buildings, natural landscapes, and human figures
• The map uses shading and line work to create depth and detail
• Historical significance or context of the map:
• Provides a historical view of Damascus in the late 17th century
• Reflects the artistic and cartographic techniques of the period
• Offers insight into the urban layout and surrounding environment of Damascus at that time

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 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.

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.