Rare Old Map of Persia, Anatolia, Armenia, and Arabia by Visscher, 1690: Middle East, Amman, Tehran, Riyadh, King Salman Reserve

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the past with the 'Nova Persiae, Armeniae, Natoliae, et Arabiae' map, a remarkable cartographic masterpiece crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. The title, translated into English, means 'New Persia, Armenia, Anatolia, and Arabia,' offering a glimpse into the geographical and political landscape of these regions during the 17th century. Visscher, hailing from a lineage of renowned Dutch mapmakers, presents a meticulously detailed depiction of these areas, capturing the essence of the era's knowledge and understanding of the world.

This map encompasses a vast array of cities and landmarks that are of significant historical and cultural importance. The Middle East, with its rich history and diverse cultures, forms a central part of this map. It features prominent cities such as Amman, Tehran, and Riyadh, each with its unique historical narratives and cultural tapestry. The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve, a landmark of ecological importance, is also beautifully represented.

One of the striking features of this map is its depiction of political and administrative boundaries, providing a fascinating insight into the geopolitical climate of the time. The map extends from Turkey and Cyprus to Iran, covering the entire Arabian Peninsula. The intricately engraved map is hand-colored, distinguishing different regions and political entities, and highlighting the waterways, canals, and other significant landmarks.

In addition to its geographical and political details, the 'Nova Persiae, Armeniae, Natoliae, et Arabiae' map also captures the natural topography of the regions. It portrays the majestic lakes and towering mountains, offering a pictorial relief that adds depth and texture to the map. The map also includes decorative cartouches and a compass rose, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. This map, with its rich historical and geographical details, is more than just a piece of art; it's a window into the past, a testament to the human spirit of exploration and discovery.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Persia (Iran)

1. Tehran - Known as Rey before being destroyed by Mongols, it was rebuilt and renamed Tehran. It's the capital of Iran and was a major city even in 1690.
2. Isfahan - Known as Sepahan, it was the capital of Persia during the Safavid dynasty.
3. Tabriz - It was the capital city for a number of the ruling dynasties during the medieval period.
4. Mashhad - The second most populous city in Iran, it's known for the Imam Reza shrine.
5. Shiraz - Known for its literary history and many gardens.

Anatolia (Turkey)

1. Istanbul - Formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, it's historically known for its strategic location.
2. Ankara - Known as Ancyra and Angora, it's the capital of Turkey.
3. Izmir - Known as Smyrna, it's Turkey's third most populous city and one of the oldest cities of the Mediterranean world.
4. Bursa - It was the first major capital city of the early Ottoman Empire.
5. Adana - It's one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world.

Armenia

1. Yerevan - One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
2. Gyumri - Known as Alexandropol, it's the second largest city in Armenia.
3. Vanadzor - It's the third largest city and known for its beautiful landscapes.
4. Vagharshapat - Historically known as Etchmiadzin, it's the spiritual centre of Armenia.
5. Kapan - Known for its rich history and picturesque landscapes.

Arabia

1. Riyadh - Known as Hajr before 1744, it's the capital of Saudi Arabia.
2. Jeddah - It's a significant commercial hub in Saudi Arabia.
3. Mecca - The birthplace of Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, it's the holiest city in Islam.
4. Medina - The second holiest city in Islam, it's where Muhammad was buried.
5. Ta'if - Known for its cool climate and fragrant roses.

Notable natural phenomena and boundaries:

1. The Persian Gulf - A mediterranean sea in Western Asia, an extension of the Indian Ocean.
2. The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers - Two of the most significant rivers in Southwest Asia that supported several ancient civilizations.
3. Mount Ararat - The highest peak in Turkey, traditionally associated with the mountain where Noah's Ark came to rest.
4. The Zagros Mountains - The largest mountain range in Iran and Iraq.
5. The Arabian Desert - A vast desert wilderness stretching from Yemen to the Persian Gulf and Oman to Jordan and Iraq.

Notable historical events between 1600 and 1690:

1. The Battle of Chaldiran (1603) - A decisive victory for the Ottoman Empire over the Safavid Empire, resulting in territorial rearrangements.
2. The Treaty of Zuhab (1639) - Established the boundary between the Ottoman Empire and Persia, much of which remains the border between Turkey and Iran.
3. The Siege of Vienna (1683) - The Ottoman Empire's unsuccessful attempt to capture the city of Vienna, Austria.

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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) 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 of Europe and European cities 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.