Mapping Modernity

16.’Well-preserved Imperial Lands’

23 October 2023

Map of the Greater Ottoman Empire

This map of the Ottoman Empire depicts a vast empire spanning three continents, but there are some notable issues with its red outer borders: Bosnia-Herzegovina is still depicted as part of the Ottoman Empire, despite being occupied since 1878 and annexed by Austria-Hungary in 1908. Bulgaria is shown as a single principality. The governor of Egypt is portrayed as a formal vassal despite actually being a rival to the sultan.

 

Imperial Military Academy, Umum Memalik-i Mahruse-i Şahane haritası (General map of the 'Well-preserved Imperial Lands'), (Istanbul) 1909-'10. Coll. S/T W.2s.4, 151 x 138 cm.