Türkiye - Ottoman Empire; Zadig Khanzadian - Atlas de géographie économique de la Turquie - 1921-1950

Atlas de géographie économique de la Turquie [Atlas of Economic Geography of Turkey], by Zadig Khanzadian. Published by L. de Bertalot, Paris 1924. Consists 28 pages of text and 30 sheets of maps and diagrams, most in color — including Planche 14 (Carte 28 - Constantinople, par Sanson), which is usually missing and "it appears to never have been bound in and other copies are also lacking that plate." Covers and title page printed in two colors decorated with a red frame. Some maps engraved by P. Monsanglant, P., and published by Gaillac - Monrocq et Cie, Paris.

Condition: The atlas is preserved in a slipcase. The spine is broken and shows signs of wear consistent with use. There is visible wear and separation at the center of several pages in the text/introduction section but not affecting the text block. The maps and charts, seem separately assembled, remained clean and in good condition, with minor traces of wear.

Created during a period of significant geopolitical change, this map reflects the historical significance of the Ottoman Empire in European history. The early 20th century was a time when the remnants of the Ottoman Empire were being redefined, making this map a valuable historical document for understanding the geopolitical landscape of the era.

The map is part of a broader effort by Lieutenant-Commander Zadik Khanzadyan to document the economic geography of Turkey and its historical territories. Khanzadyan, a notable figure in cartography and a member of the Armenian delegation to the 1920 peace conference, brings a unique perspective to this work, combining his expertise in hydrography and historical geography.


The maps exhibit a historical style, reflecting the cartographic techniques and geographical understanding of their respective periods. The subjects include:

1. **Carte No. 1: Carte générale d'Al-Istakhri et Ibn Ḥawqal (10th Century)**
- This map shows a stylized view of the world according to Al-Istakhri and Ibn Ḥawqal, prominent Muslim geographers from the 10th century. It features a circular projection with labeled regions and bodies of water.

2. **Carte No. 2: Carte générale de l'Idrisi (1154)**
- This map represents the world as known in the 12th century by the geographer Al-Idrisi. It shows a circular map with notable geographical features and landmarks.

3. **Carte No. 3: Possessions turques dans la mer Ionienne**
- This map illustrates Turkish possessions in the Ionian Sea, highlighting islands and coastal areas.

4. **Carte No. 4: Les provinces turques du Caucase**
- Depicts the Turkish provinces in the Caucasus region, indicating topographical features and political boundaries.

5. **Carte No. 5: Arabie**
- A detailed map of the Arabian Peninsula, showing significant cities, trade routes, and geographic features.

6. **Carte No. 6: Perse**
- This map focuses on Persia (modern-day Iran), illustrating its topography and historical provinces.

Source: davidrumsey.com