Large sized Ottoman topographical map of Aydin province, Smyrna (Izmir) and Ephesus, 1908-22

AYDIN VİLAYETI TAKSİMAT-I MÜLKİYE VE TOPOGRAFYA HARITASI [Aydin Province Provincial Division and Topography Map]. Chromolithograpic map in 4 sheets with with typographical title cartouche, pictorial legend and geographic coordinates, all with Ottoman Turkish text. Istanbul: 1908-1922.

130:100 cm, 65:50 cm (sheets) cm and 56:45 (print) resp. Chromolithography on four loose sheets of thin machine paper.

Large sized and detailed topographical map in striking colours and Ottoman Turkish text of one of the core provinces of the Ottoman Empire around 1900.

Content: Present detailed administrational and topographical map incorporates ground relief (landforms and terrain), drainage (the Aegian Sea, lakes and rivers), forest cover, administrative areas, populated areas (towns and villages in great detail), transportation routes, roads and railways.

The Ottoman Aydın Province, named after the district and provincial capital Aydın, was established by the Ottoman authorities with the »Teşkil-i Vilayet Nizamnamesi« (Provinces Regulations Act) dated 1864 and consisted of İzmir Central Sanjak (district), Aydın Sanjak, Saruhan Sanjak (added in 1877) and Menteşe Sanjak (until 1908). The İzmir Sanjak is of particular historical importance, as it incorporated not only the historically, economically and culturally important city of Smyrna (İzmir), the second biggest urban agglomeration of the Aegian region after Athens, but also numerous unique ancient sites, foremost the Greek and Roman city of Ephesus.

Condition: Sheets in parts with minor staining, margins skilfully restored tears, otherwise in good condition.