Map of Constantinople by Aeg, 1785

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This is a large 1785 map titled "Carte de la Ville de Constantinople et du Bosphore de Thrace", which includes … Read more This is a large 1785 map titled "Carte de la Ville de Constantinople et du Bosphore de Thrace", which includes detailed maps of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), the Bosphorus Strait, the Sea of Marmara, and the coasts of Greece and the Aegean Archipelago. The map offers a comprehensive view of one of the most strategically significant regions of the Ottoman Empire during the late 18th century. The map is associated with Pierre François Tardieu, a prominent French engraver and cartographer. The Tardieu family was well-known for their high-quality engravings and maps during the 18th and 19th centuries. Pierre François Tardieu, in particular, produced many fine maps and was often involved in the publication of detailed geographical works. Tardieu's maps are known for their precision and craftsmanship, and this map of Constantinople and the Bosphorus reflects the typical attention to detail seen in his work. The map includes multiple insets, such as the coasts of Greece and the Aegean Archipelago, providing a wide scope of geographic and strategic information. Why is this map so interesting? This map is intriguing because it captures the strategic importance of Constantinople and the Bosphorus during a time when the Ottoman Empire was a major force in global geopolitics. The Bosphorus Strait was (and still is) a key maritime passage connecting the Black Sea with the Mediterranean. Control over this region meant influence over vital trade routes. The inset of the Topkapi Palace (Sublime Porte) adds another layer of historical interest, as it depicts the seat of Ottoman imperial power. The broader context of the map, including the coasts of Greece and the Aegean, provides insight into the geopolitical landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean in the late 18th century. Maps like this were essential for political and commercial navigation, as the Mediterranean and its surrounding regions were critical trade and military zones. Keywords for this map: Pierre François Tardieu, Constantinople, Bosphorus, Thrace, Ottoman Empire, Sea of Marmara, Aegean Archipelago, Topkapi Palace, Sublime Porte, 1785 map, Eastern Mediterranean, historical map, French cartography, maritime trade, strategic map, Ottoman Constantinople, Tardieu map. This map remains a valuable artifact for scholars, collectors, and enthusiasts of historical cartography, providing a window into the geopolitics of the 18th-century Eastern Mediterranean world. See less