Catalog Archive
Auction 139, Lot 565

"Turcicum Imperium", Mercator/Hondius

Subject: Eastern Mediterranean & Middle East

Period: 1607 (published)

Publication: Atlas Minor

Color: Hand Color

Size:
8 x 6.3 inches
20.3 x 16 cm
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This interesting small map extends west to Italy and includes part of northern Africa, but focuses on the Ottoman Empire in the Middle East and Arabia. The mountains, rivers, and cities of the region are well depicted, including Mecoa (Mecca), Eltaif, Al-Qanfaza, Aden, Sanaa, Zibith and Alaxa. The island of Bahrain (Baharem) is located in the Persian Gulf, here named Mare Elcatif. The map is adorned with strapwork title cartouche that incorporates a distance scale. This is from the first edition, with Latin text on verso.

References: Ankary, p. 179; Tibbetts #63.

Condition: A

Marginal soiling. Manuscript page number and cardinal directions in blank margins.

Estimate: $110 - $140

Sold for: $70

Closed on 2/15/2012

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