Baghdad: qadiman wa-hadithan (Baghdad: then and now), created in 1951 by Mustafa Jawad, Ahmad Susah, Ahmad Hamid al-Sarraf, and Muhammad ‘Abd al-Wahid and published by al-Majma al-Ilmi al-Iraqi, distills a millennium of urban memory into a lucid city portrait. Conceived by the newly founded Iraqi Academy of Science, the map is among its earliest cartographic enterprises, an ambitious attempt to reconcile philology, topography, and civic history. It is a quintessential city map: dense with neighborhoods, gates, and lines of movement, yet animated by the Tigris that both divides and binds Baghdad. The composition invites close reading, presenting the capital as a layered palimpsest in which Abbasid foundations converse with mid-20th-century planning, making it an unusually revealing guide to Baghdad’s enduring geography.

At the center flows the Tigris, its historical shifts and embankments carefully traced, while red lines pick out the network of canals and tributaries that once irrigated the city’s gardens and sustained its markets. Bridges are treated as decisive hinges in the urban fabric, with crossings such as Jisr al-Mamun and the al-Sarafiya connection stitching the Rusafa and Karkh banks into a single metropolis. Parallel to the river run promenades and walkways; inland, parks and public gardens punctuate residential quarters, offering a sense of green relief within the street grid. Railways and arterial roadways are plotted with equal care, revealing how steel and asphalt began to rival water as Baghdad’s principal conveyors of people, goods, and ideas.

One of the map’s triumphs is its treatment of medieval Baghdad. The historic gates—Bab al-Kufa, Bab al-Sham, Bab al-Talsim, Bab al-Wastani, Bab al-Khorasan, and Bab ash-Sharqi—are not mere antiquarian notes; they are wayfinders through time, showing how the toponyms of the Round City and later walls still organize the modern metropolis. By inscribing these portals atop the evolving street plan, the authors reveal the city’s long continuity of orientation: routes that once guided caravans to Kufa, Damascus, or Khurasan now anchor boulevards and quarters. This “then and now” dialogue is the essence of the sheet, a quietly radical urban history that lets today’s traveler stand where caliphs, scholars, and merchants once negotiated Baghdad’s thresholds.

The modern city emerges through a precise choreography of named streets and sectors. Haifa Street hugs the riverfront, a riparian axis of civic life; Al-Mansour Street announces postwar expansion to the west; Al-Tahreer Street drives toward the administrative heart; Al-Sina’a Street signals the industrial quarter. Commercial energy gathers along Shari’a al-Tijara, while quieter residential veins—Al-Hamra, Al-Zuwiya, Shari’a al-Zahra, Shari’a al-Zaytuna, and Shari’a al-Safa—thread parks and mosques. Al-Risala and Al-Sarai link scholarly and administrative landmarks; Shari’a al-Salam and Shari’a al-Matbakh animate civic and market life, while Shari’a al-Quwat and Shari’a al-Sharqi declare function and orientation. Jisr al-Mamun’s approach balances Al-Sarafiya Street’s northern sweep; Qsar Street and Kufa Street recall royal and pilgrimage geographies. Even poetic Wadi al-Malaika suggests a cultivated promenade.

The cartographic design underscores this intellectual poise: a crisply drawn scale bar invites measurement; a stylized compass rose orients the reader amid the bends of the Tigris; and labels, set off with fine radial leader lines, lend the whole a seminar-room clarity. Produced by leading scholars at a pivotal cultural institution, the map fuses documentary rigor with civic pride, providing a city plan that is at once archive and itinerary. It is an especially notable city map because it refuses to flatten place into mere streets: it binds bridges, railways, walkways, residential quarters, mosques, and landmarks to the memory of canals and gates, offering an unusually comprehensive portrait of Baghdad’s shape, spirit, and continual renewal.

Streets and roads on this map

• Al-Hamra Street
• Al-Mansour Street
• Al-Risala Street
• Al-Sarafiya Street
• Al-Sarai Street
• Al-Sina'a Street
• Al-Tahreer Street
• Al-Zuwiya Street
• Bab al-Kufa
• Bab al-Sham
• Bab al-Talsim
• Bab al-Wastani
• Bab al-Khorasan
• Bab ash-Sharqi
• Haifa Street
• Jisr al-Mamun
• Kufa Street
• Qsar Street
• Sadir Street
• Shari'a al-Salam
• Shari'a al-Mahmudi
• Shari'a al-Matbakh
• Shari'a al-Mujahid
• Shari'a al-Quwat
• Shari'a al-Safa
• Shari'a al-Sharqi
• Shari'a al-Tijara
• Shari'a al-Zahra
• Shari'a al-Zaytuna
• Wadi al-Malaika

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bridges
• Canals and tributaries of the Tigris
• Historical gates
• Landmarks
• Mosques
• Parks
• Railways
• Residential quarters
• Roadways
• Walkways

Historical and design context

• Date of creation: 1951
• Mapmakers/Publisher: Created by Mustafa Jawad, Ahmad Susah, Ahmad Hamid al-Sarraf, and Muhammad 'Abd al-Wahid, published by al-Majma al-Ilmi al-Iraqi (the Iraqi Academy of Science).
• Context about mapmakers: The Iraqi Academy of Science was established in 1947, aiming to preserve Arabic language and promote Islamic scientific heritage. The map represents one of its first cartographic productions, showcasing collaborational efforts of prominent Iraqi scholars.
• Themes and topics shown: The map depicts the early and modern history of Baghdad, focusing on urban development, historical canals and waterways, the changing course of the Tigris River, and the layout of significant landmarks and neighborhoods.
• Design and style of the map: The map features a clear scale bar, a stylized compass rose, and uses red lines to indicate canals and tributaries. Labels are surrounded by radial lines, providing a scholarly and educational presentation.
• Historical significance: The map provides a rich historical account of Baghdad, demonstrating urban planning and changes over centuries, documenting significant historic gateways and waterways crucial to the city’s development.

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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) 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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.

Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.

We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.

• We can deliver directly to the recipient
• Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
• Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
• Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
• 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide

If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.

Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.

We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.

Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.

Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.

Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.

If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.

Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.

Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 5-year guarantee.

Read our 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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my 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.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.