Must-have German Traveler’s Map Of Arabia By Raunkiaer, 1912: Riyadh, Kuwait, Persian Gulf, Caravan Routes, Deserts Perfect Gift [bJ3o6Kam]

Kort over Øst og Centralarabien, created by the renowned Danish explorer Anders Christian Barclay Raunkiaer in 1912, is a captivating window into the early 20th-century exploration of the Arabian Peninsula. This map meticulously charts Raunkiaer's expedition through the largely uncharted deserts of eastern and central Arabia. It also traces the routes of fellow explorers William Gifford Palgrave and Sir Lewis Pelly, providing a comprehensive overview of the region's exploration history. Raunkiaer's journey, marked by resilience and discovery, offers a rare glimpse into the Arabian landscape before the transformative discovery of oil.

Raunkiaer, a member of the Royal Geographical Society of Denmark, embarked on his journey with the intent to explore the unexplored central southern areas of Arabia. His expedition was not just a geographical venture but a testament to the spirit of exploration that characterized the era. Despite political unrest and personal illness, Raunkiaer persevered, documenting the terrain with remarkable detail. His efforts culminated in this map, which stands as a testament to his dedication and the era's thirst for knowledge.

The map elegantly captures the diverse terrain of Arabia, highlighting stone deserts, sand deserts, oases, and steppes. It provides a detailed depiction of the Persian Gulf coast, stretching from Kuwait to Bahrain, and marks the existing caravan routes that were vital for trade and travel. The inclusion of these features not only enhances the map's aesthetic appeal but also its historical significance, offering insights into the region's geography and the challenges faced by early explorers.

Significant cities and towns such as Kuwait City, Riyadh, Hofuf, and Basrah are meticulously marked, each holding its own historical and cultural significance. These settlements, alongside the caravan routes, paint a vivid picture of the interconnectedness of the region. The map serves as a historical document, illustrating the socio-political landscape of the time and the interactions between European explorers and Middle Eastern rulers.

Raunkiaer's map is a masterpiece of cartographic art, characterized by its minimalistic design that emphasizes the expedition routes and terrain details. The Danish text, accompanied by transcribed Arabic place names, adds to its authenticity and charm. This map is not just a geographical representation but a narrative of exploration, resilience, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a perfect addition for collectors and enthusiasts of historical maps, offering a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in the history of exploration.

Cities and towns on this map

• Kuwait

• Kuwait City (Kuweit)

• Saudi Arabia

• Riyadh (Riad)
• Hofuf (Hofuf)
• Buraydah (Bereidah)

• Zilfi (Zilfi)

• Iraq

• Basrah (Basra)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of water: Persian Gulf (Den Persiske Havbugt)
• Terrain features: Stone deserts, sand deserts, oases, and steppes
• Routes: Detailed expedition routes of Raunkiaer, Palgrave, and Pelly
• Scale and legend: Simple scale and legend indicating terrain and routes

Historical and design context

• Mapmaker/Publisher: Anders Christian Barclay Raunkiaer, a Danish explorer
• Date of creation: 1912
• Themes and topics:
• Exploration routes of Barclay Raunkiaer, William Gifford Palgrave, and Sir Lewis Pelly
• Terrain features such as stone deserts, sand deserts, oases, and steppes
• Regions shown: Eastern and central Arabia, including the Persian Gulf coast from Kuwait to Bahrain
• Design/Style: Minimally decorated to focus on expedition route details, with Danish text and transcribed Arabic place names
• Historical significance:
• Provides insight into early 20th-century European expeditions in Arabia
• Highlights Raunkiaer's journey which contributed valuable information about the region before the discovery of oil

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 is a very large map that must be ordered at a large size, so that 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.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x16in (40x40cm) 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.