Topographic Illustration Among The Ottomans In The 16th Century Through

Abstract

This study aims to introduce the art of topographic illustration and cartography among the Ottomans. The exploration will encompass the emergence and development of this field, followed by an in-depth discussion of its principal characteristics and features during the 16th century, analyzed through selected examples. Specifically, two notable figures are examined: the famous sailor and geographer Piri Reis, known for his world maps and his renowned book "Kitāb al-Baḥrīyah" and the historian and mathematician Naṣūḥ Matrakçı, who also gained fame in the 16th century. For Piri Reis, the focus will be on his world maps and his famous book. For Naṣūḥ Matrakçı, the study will examine his three manuscripts, which include illustrations and topographic maps: "Süleymannâme," "Tārīkh al-Sulṭān Bāyazīd," and "Bayān Munāzil Safar 'Irāqayn." Particularly, the last manuscript in which he details the events of Al- Sulṭān Sulaymān al-Qānūnī campaign to Iraq, featuring 128 illustrations depicting stages of the campaign, many of which are topographic illustrations of various cities and places .