Old Gulf of Alexandretta, Turkey Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Iskenderun, Scandaroon, Antioch, Ceyhan River

Introduction to "The Gulf of Alexandretta or Scandaroon" by William Heather

Delve into the rich maritime history of the Mediterranean with William Heather's 1802 masterpiece, "The Gulf of Alexandretta or Scandaroon." This chart, a significant piece from Heather's "New Mediterranean Pilot," marks a pivotal moment in cartographic history as the first English collection of Mediterranean ports. Heather, a renowned British hydrographer, crafted this map at a time when such detailed navigational charts were predominantly the domain of French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers. His work stands out for its precision and artistic merit, particularly noted in the finely engraved details by John Stephenson, a distinguished London engraver.

Geographical and Navigational Features

The map's primary focus is the Gulf of Alexandretta, now known as the Gulf of Iskenderun, nestled in the northeastern Mediterranean Sea. This area is strategically significant, bordered by Turkey to the north and Syria to the south, featuring key cities like Alexandretta (Iskenderun) and Antioch (Antakya). The chart is meticulously oriented with east at the top, a convention not commonly seen in modern cartography. It includes detailed soundings, anchorages, and topographical nuances that were essential for safe navigation and anchorage, reflecting Heather's commitment to accuracy and utility in his nautical charts.

Topographical and Cultural Insights

Beyond its navigational utility, the map offers a glimpse into the topographical and cultural landscape of the region during the early 19th century. It details the rugged mountainous terrain surrounding the gulf and traces the Ceyhan River's path to the sea. The inclusion of smaller towns and villages along the coastline, as well as several islands within the gulf, provides a comprehensive view of the area's geographical diversity. This level of detail not only aided mariners but also served as a cultural record of the region during a time of significant geopolitical interest.

Notable Landmarks and Locations

Among the intriguing features illustrated on the map are notable landmarks such as Cape Mallo, Cape Negret, and the whimsically named Swine's Snout or C. Porcas. Each of these points holds historical significance for navigation and local lore, making them of particular interest to historians and collectors alike. The map also highlights lesser-known locales like R. Aiarsa, Aiafsa, and the Tower, providing a rich tapestry of the region's maritime geography that continues to captivate scholars and enthusiasts.

Conclusion and Historical Significance

"The Gulf of Alexandretta or Scandaroon" is not merely a navigational aid but a historical artifact that captures a moment in time when English cartography began to establish a foothold in the Mediterranean. Its rarity and the excellence of its execution make it a prized possession for any collector or connoisseur of maritime history. Owning this map is akin to holding a piece of the rich tapestry of Mediterranean maritime exploration, reflecting the skill, precision, and artistry of early 19th-century English chart-making.

Notable Places on This Map

• The Gulf of Alexandretta or Scandaroon
• Cape Mallo
• Cape Negret
• Alexandretta or Scandaroon
• R. Aiarsa
• Aiafsa
• Bailse
• Arsous
• M. Giarbo
• Gorf Diaso
• Swine's Snout or C. Porcas
• Tower

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Shows the Gulf of Alexandretta, also known as the Gulf of Iskenderun, a large bay surrounded by mountains with a narrow entrance.
• The city of Alexandretta (Iskenderun) is located on the eastern side of the gulf.
• The city of Antioch (Antakya) is located to the north of the gulf.
• The Ceyhan River flows into the gulf from the north.
• Shows the locations of several other towns and villages along the coast of the gulf.
• Shows the locations of several islands in the gulf.
• Map is oriented with north at the top.
• The scale of the map is shown in leagues.

Historical and Design Context

• Created by William Heather in 1802.
• Heather was a British hydrographer and publisher known for his works on the Mediterranean Sea.
• Part of "The New Mediterranean Pilot," the first English collection of Mediterranean ports.
• Notable for the finely engraved charts, many signed in monogram by the London engraver John Stephenson.
• Represents a significant moment in cartographic history as an English navigational chart among predominantly French, Italian, and Spanish works.
• The map includes detailed soundings, some topographical features, and anchorages, essential for navigation and anchorage during its time.

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.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).

In all cases 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.

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.

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

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.

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 have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 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 maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, extremely 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 how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps

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.

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 1,500 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.