Old Tripoli Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Lebanon, Syria, Coastal Details, Forts

Embark on a journey through time with the exquisite 1802 nautical chart titled "The Road of Tripoli in Syria," crafted by the esteemed British hydrographer William Heather. This chart is not merely a navigational aid but a portal to the early 19th-century Mediterranean, showcasing the coastal contours of Tripoli in Northern Syria (now Lebanon). Oriented uniquely with east at the top, it captures the strategic maritime routes and anchorages, vital for the sailors of the era. This chart is a remarkable testament to the European exploration fervor, providing a rare glimpse into the meticulous cartographic efforts undertaken during this period.

Navigational Details and Topographical Features

Heather's chart is a treasure trove of maritime knowledge, detailing soundings, navigational aids, and topographical nuances along the Tripoli coastline. The inclusion of various natural and man-made landmarks such as the Shachi Islands, the Old Tower, and several fortifications, enhances its utility and historical value. Each feature is finely engraved, a hallmark of Heather's commitment to precision and clarity in maritime cartography. This chart not only served as a critical tool for 19th-century navigators but now serves as a fascinating historical document for collectors and scholars alike.

Artistry and Engraving Excellence

The chart stands out for its artistic merit, thanks to the skillful engraving by John Stephenson, a renowned London engraver whose monogram adorns this piece. The finesse in the line work and attention to detail reflect the high standards of chart-making artistry of the time. The visual appeal of the chart is undeniable, with its intricate engravings that highlight both the natural beauty and the strategic importance of the Mediterranean shores it represents.

Historical and Collectible Significance

As a part of William Heather’s ambitious project, "The New Mediterranean Pilot," this chart represents the first English foray into a domain previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers. Its rarity is underscored by its absence in contemporary collections, making it an exceptional find for enthusiasts of rare maps and maritime history. Owning this chart is akin to possessing a rare artifact that speaks volumes of the maritime exploration narrative of the early 1800s.

A Window into Early European Maritime Exploration

This chart is not just a tool for historical inquiry but a piece of art that offers insight into the challenges and achievements of early European maritime explorers. It reflects the strategic importance of the Mediterranean as a hub of commerce and navigation that drew the attention of many European powers. Collectors and historians will find immense value in the depth of information and the aesthetic precision of this chart, making it a prestigious addition to any collection of maritime or historical artifacts.

This luxurious and historically significant chart, "The Road of Tripoli in Syria," is more than just a map; it is a testament to the rich history of maritime navigation and cartography, beautifully encapsulating the essence of an era when the Mediterranean was a central stage of European exploration and trade.

Notable Places on This Map

• The city of Tripoli
• Several towns and villages
• Shachi Islands
• Several water bodies, including the Mediterranean Sea
• Several mountains and hills
• Several forests and woodlands

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Coastal region around Tripoli, in Syria (now Lebanon)
• Nautical chart details including soundings and navigational aids
• Several forts and towers, including the Old Tower
• Several roads and tracks

Historical and Design Context

• Map titled "The Road of Tripoli in Syria" made in 1802
• Created by William Heather, a British hydrographer known for his detailed charts and pilot guides
• Part of Heather's "The New Mediterranean Pilot," representing the first English collection of Mediterranean ports
• Finely engraved by John Stephenson, showcasing high-quality cartographic detail
• Rare example of early English charting of Mediterranean ports, previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers

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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.