Wyld Map of Turkey in Asia, 1853

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James Wyld's 1853 Map of the Ottoman Empire and Adjacent Regions James Wyld's 1853 map, "Map of the Ottoman Empire, … Read more James Wyld's 1853 Map of the Ottoman Empire and Adjacent Regions James Wyld's 1853 map, "Map of the Ottoman Empire, The Black Sea and the Frontiers of Russia and Persia," offers a meticulously detailed portrayal of a region at the heart of geopolitical shifts in the mid-19th century. Measuring 435 x 635 mm (17 1/8 x 25 in), this engraved map is notable for its fine original hand-colouring which enhances its visual appeal and clarity. The map spans a critical area including the entire Ottoman Empire, parts of the neighboring Russian and Persian territories, and detailed insets of strategically important locations such as the Dardanelles, the Bosphorus, Sebastopol, Odessa, and Batoum. These insets provide valuable insights into key maritime passages and port cities that were central to trade and military movements during this period. : This historically significant map, created by James Wyld in 1853, delineates the strategic landscapes of the Ottoman Empire, the Black Sea, and the adjoining Russian and Persian frontiers during the outset of the Crimean War. The map extends from Vienna and the Adriatic Sea eastward to the Caspian Sea, and from Eastern Europe southward to Cyprus and Syria, encapsulating a region pivotal in 19th-century geopolitics. Published on November 9th, 1853—shortly after the war began—the map illustrates key territorial changes and conflicts, including areas like Crimea and Bessarabia, which had been acquired by Russia between 1774 and 1812. The notation along the eastern Black Sea, suggesting that Russian control was limited to coastal forts and lacked local support, reflects the British perspective during this period. Insets detail critical strategic zones such as the Bosporus, the Dardanelles, and important Black Sea ports including Odessa, Sevastopol, and Batoum. These insets underscore the regions' military and maritime importance, particularly in relation to the war efforts and naval logistics of the time. The Crimean War, framed here, was a complex conflict involving an alliance of the Ottoman Empire, Britain, France, and Sardinia against the Russian Empire. The war was primarily provoked by disputes over religious rights in the Holy Land and broader concerns about Russian expansion at the expense of the declining Ottoman Empire. The map captures this tumultuous period, where initial hostilities led to significant military engagements and a protracted siege of Sevastopol. Wyld's map serves not only as a geographic representation but also as a contemporary artifact of military and political strategy, reflecting the urgent cartographic needs during a major international conflict. Well-represented in institutional collections, this map is a crucial document for understanding the spatial dynamics and historical context of the Crimean War. The map is dissected and mounted on linen, ensuring its preservation and ease of folding. It retains its original brown cloth boards which, though scuffed, add to the item's historical value. A printed label on the upper cover provides authenticity and context. Minor spotting is present on the map, typical of its age and usage, but does not detract from its overall legibility or aesthetic value. This map not only serves as a geographical document but also as a historical artifact, reflecting the complex political landscape of the Ottoman Empire and its neighbors during a time of intense rivalry and empire-building. Collectors and historians of cartography or 19th-century geopolitical history will find this map a compelling addition to their collections. Inset maps include: The Bosphorus (Constantinople / Istanbul and its strategic strait) The Dardanelles Scutari (Üsküdar) and environs Borders are hand-colored to distinguish political frontiers, with dates of major treaties and boundary changes annotated (e.g. 1774, 1812, 1829). Cities, fortresses, rivers, and mountain ranges are carefully engraved, providing a detailed record of the region’s strategic geography. Wyld was renowned for producing up-to-date maps for the British public, often tied to current events. This map is a fine example of such “event cartography,” reflecting Britain’s military and diplomatic concerns during the Crimean War. Condition: Good. Original hand color. Age toning and some foxing, mainly at folds. Old linen backing with panel folds as issued. Overall strong and attractive impression. Framing tips: This large-format folding map is well suited to float-mounting in a wide frame, allowing the linen backing and original folds to remain visible. A dark frame with cream mat will enhance the contrast of the hand coloring. Technique: Engraving with original hand color, dissected and mounted on linen Maker: James Wyld, London, 1853 See less