Rare Old Map of the Middle East in Arabic Script, 1890 - Ottoman Empire, Balkans, Arabian Peninsula, Black Sea

This old and exceedingly rare map of the Ottoman Empire and Arabian Peninsula is, rather unusually, labelled in Ottoman Turkish Arabic script. Put together by the first modern Turkish cartographer, Hafız Ali Eşref (also known as Ali Sheref Pasha), this masterpiece map was first published in 1896 by the Turkish government's Map Office.

This is a huge map - it was over 150cm wide originally - and there's a vast amount of detail. Please look at the listing images and look for your hometown or city!

A huge geographical area is covered by this map, from Italy and Austria in the top right, to most of Egypt and some of Libya in the bottom left - and then most of Saudi Arabia and some of Iran on the right. The Balkans are all here, as is Greece, Turkey, and the countries north and east of the Black Sea - Romania, Moldova, Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Syria, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon - the whole of the Middle East is on this map.

The level of detail includes all cities, most towns, roads, railroads and rivers are shown, along with topological relief.

Arabic script maps are exceedingly rare, particularly on this scale and this quality.

At 16x20 inches (40x50cm) the writing is very small on this map, though it is just about legible. I would recommend getting a larger map if your space allows. The model is holding the 16x20 inch map. Please note that the unframed 24x27 inch map has white margins that are very easy to snip off - or they may help you with framing. All other sizes, and all framed maps, look just like the listing images.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 270 inches (680cm, 22ft) tall. Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

This would make a wonderful birthday, work leaving, housewarming, Christmas or Father's Day gift for someone from one of the countries shown on the map, or perhaps someone interested in the history of the Ottoman Empire and its Arabic-like script.

You can order the map itself, or you can order a framed version. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that really makes your map pop out when on a wall. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame material or colour. I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) in my frames - it's less reflective than glass and better for transport.

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.