Tabula Chorographica Armenica

This chorological map shows the geographical distribution of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the Ottoman Empire
Dozens of small illuminations and inscriptions represent the numerous churches, monasteries, and hermitages of the religious community
It was commissioned by the Italian soldier, natural scientist, and emissary on a diplomatic mission

Tabula Chorographica Armenica

Rot. 24 Biblioteca Universitaria di Bologna (Bologna, Italy)

Description

Tabula Chorographica Armenica

Although it may appear so at first glance, the Tabula Chorographica Armenica (Chorological Map of Armenia) is not a conventional geographical map that translates the Earth's surface into two dimensions as accurately as possible. Instead, the map, created in 1691, depicts the distribution and history of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the Ottoman Empire by means of countless small and large illuminations and inscriptions. Topographical features such as bodies of water and mountains serve as approximate geographical references on the three-meter-long piece of paper, which is composed of 16 parts. This important testimony to Armenian culture and religion was created for the Italian soldier, emissary, and natural scientist Luigi Ferdinando Marsigli (1658–1730). He was in Constantinople in 1691 on a diplomatic mission and commissioned the author, scribe, and illuminator Eremia Çelebi K’ēōmiwrčean (1635–1695) and his son Tēr Malak'ia to create this fascinating map for him.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Rotulo 24 del Fondo Marsili
Type: Map on paper
Size / Format: 1 map / 358.0 × 120.0 cm
Origin: Turkey
Date: 1691
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Other Styles / Unknown
Genre: Geography / Maps
Chronicles / History / Law
Language: Armenian
Script: Armenian minuscule
Illustrations: Colored illuminations
Content: Historical map of the Armenian presence in Eurasia
Patron: Luigi Ferdinando Marsigli (1658–1730)
Artist / School: Eremia K‘ēōmiwrčean
Tēr Małak‘ia

Available facsimile editions:

Facsimile Editions

#1 Tabula Chorographica Armenica

Imago – Rimini, 2025

Publisher: Imago – Rimini, 2025

Commentary: 1 volume
Language: Italian

1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size) Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.

Price Category: €€€ (3,000€ - 7,000€)

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Tabula Chorographica Armenica