The map titled "Jugoslavija," created by the esteemed cartographer Vlasto Kopac in 1959, offers a vibrant and illustrative depiction of Yugoslavia as it stood in the mid-20th century. Kopac, known for his detailed and artistic cartographic works, masterfully captures the essence of a nation rich in cultural heritage and historical significance. This pictorial map is not just a geographical representation but a visual journey through the diverse and dynamic landscapes of Yugoslavia, adorned with colorful illustrations that symbolize the region's cultural landmarks, historical sites, and economic activities.
Kopac's map is a lively tapestry that weaves together the intricate details of Yugoslavian life, heritage, and tourism. Each pictorial illustration is a testament to the country's rich history and vibrant culture, from the majestic castles and ancient churches to the bustling marketplaces and serene coastal scenes along the Adriatic Sea. The map's verso further enriches the experience with images and text panels that delve into specific aspects of Yugoslavian life, offering a deeper understanding of the nation's identity and charm.
The geographical expanse of Yugoslavia is meticulously detailed, showcasing its borders with neighboring countries such as Italy, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania. The map highlights the diverse topography of the region, from the rugged mountain ranges that traverse the landscape to the tranquil waters of the Adriatic Sea. This detailed representation not only serves as a navigational tool but also as a historical document that captures the essence of a nation on the cusp of significant political and social changes.
Cities and towns are prominently featured, each marked with an illustration that reflects its unique character and significance. From the bustling capital of Belgrade to the historic city of Dubrovnik, the map provides a snapshot of urban life in mid-20th century Yugoslavia. Smaller towns and villages are also depicted, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the nation's cultural and economic landscape. This detailed urban representation underscores the map's value as both a historical artifact and a piece of art.
The thematic elements of the map extend beyond mere geography, offering insights into the economic activities that defined the region. Illustrations of agricultural fields, industrial sites, and trade routes provide a glimpse into the livelihoods of the Yugoslavian people. This blend of cultural, historical, and economic themes makes Kopac's map a unique and invaluable piece for collectors and historians alike, capturing the spirit of a nation during a pivotal moment in its history.
Cities and towns on this map
- Belgrade (Beograd)
- Zagreb
- Skopje
- Sarajevo
- Ljubljana
- Split
- Novi Sad
- Rijeka
- Maribor
- Podgorica (Titograd)
- Banja Luka
- Osijek
- Niš
- Kragujevac
- Subotica
- Zadar
- Pula
- Dubrovnik
- Šibenik
- Mostar
- Bitola
- Pristina
- Koper
- Tuzla
- Varaždin
- Kraljevo
- Karlovac
- Vranje
- Veles
- Herceg Novi
- Sombor
- Smederevo
- Bijeljina
- Murska Sobota
- Čačak
- Kikinda
- Pirot
- Vršac
- Prokuplje
- Knin
- Gospić
- Novi Pazar
- Valjevo
- Trebinje
- Vinkovci
- Vukovar
- Pančevo
- Leskovac
- Zrenjanin
- Kumanovo
- Krško
- Kotor
- Sremska Mitrovica
- Štip
- Prijedor
- Ptuj
- Bjelovar
- Čakovec
- Požarevac
- Berane
- Kavadarci
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Inset maps:
- Small inset map showing Yugoslavia's location in Europe.
- Illustrations:
- Various pictorial illustrations representing cultural landmarks, historical sites, and economic activities.
- Landmarks:
- Numerous cultural and historical landmarks, such as castles, churches, and monuments.
- Bodies of water:
- Adriatic Sea (Jadransko More).
- Borders:
- Borders with Italy, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania.
- Mountains:
- Illustrations of mountain ranges across Yugoslavia.
Historical and design context
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Name of the map: Jugoslavija
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When the map was made: 1959
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Mapmaker or publisher: Vlasto Kopac
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Interesting context about the mapmaker: Vlasto Kopac was known for his detailed and illustrative cartographic works, often capturing the cultural and historical essence of regions.
- Topics and themes shown on the map:
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Cultural landmarks: Illustrations depicting significant cultural sites.
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Historical sites: Various historical landmarks are illustrated.
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Economic activities: Symbolic representations of economic activities prevalent in the region.
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Tourism: Highlights tourist attractions and points of interest.
- Countries and regions shown on the map:
- Yugoslavia as it existed in the mid-20th century.
- Neighboring countries: Italy, Austria (Österreich), Hungary (Magyar N.K.), Romania (R.P.ROMINĂ), Bulgaria (N.R. BUGARIA), Greece (Hellas), and Albania.
- Design or style of the map:
- Pictorial and thematic, with a focus on colorful and illustrative elements.
- The map includes a decorative compass rose and a small inset map showing Yugoslavia's location in Europe.
- Historical significance or context of the map:
- The map captures Yugoslavia during a period of significant political and social change in the mid-20th century.
- It serves as a historical document reflecting the cultural, economic, and geographical aspects of Yugoslavia before its dissolution in the 1990s.
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.