Map Of The Frontier Provinces Of Turkey Russia & Austria The Black Sea &c

Publisher: George Philip & Son
Price: £85
Publication Date: 1912
Edition: New edition
Format: Original steel engraving with original hand-colouring
Condition: In good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: c.63.8cm x 47cm when opened

Condition:

Philips’ Map Of The Seat Of War. On stiff paper with 21 folds. Neat pencil name and pencil names to the blank verso. Wear along original folds with archive repairs to the reverse. Marks to the front cover. Map generally nice and clean with some creasing. Minor age-toning, marks and foxing but overall in good, clean condition. Scarce.

Philips’ Map Of The Seat Of War: A Brief Description:

The “Map of the Frontier Provinces of Turkey, Russia & Austria, The Black Sea &c”, dated 1854, is a historical map that provides a detailed representation of the political and geographical situation in Eastern Europe and the Near East during the mid-19th century. This map is of particular significance as it was created during the period of the Crimean War (1853–1856), a conflict that involved Russia, the Ottoman Empire (Turkey), Britain, France, and other European powers. The map served as a tool for understanding the complex alliances, territories, and strategic military positions of the time.

Historical Context (1854)

In 1854, Europe and the Near East were embroiled in the Crimean War, a conflict primarily fought over the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the balance of power in Europe. The war was precipitated by disputes between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, particularly over control of territories in the Balkans and the rights of Christian minorities in the Ottoman territories.

Russia sought to expand its influence in the region, while Britain, France, and Austria were interested in curbing Russian ambitions and maintaining the integrity of the Ottoman Empire, which was seen as a key buffer against Russian expansion into Europe. The Black Sea region and the surrounding provinces were at the heart of these strategic interests.

Geographical Coverage

The map encompasses a vast area of Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Black Sea, and parts of the Caucasus and Middle East. Key regions and features included in the map are:

1. Turkey (Ottoman Empire): The Ottoman Empire was still a major power in the region, though it was in decline. The map highlights the frontier provinces of the empire, particularly in the Balkans (modern-day Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, and Greece), as well as Anatolia and its holdings along the Black Sea coast.
2. Russia: The Russian Empire, under Tsar Nicholas I, was a dominant force in the region, and its territorial ambitions were a central issue in the conflict. The map depicts key Russian territories, particularly the Crimea, Bessarabia, and the Caucasus. The Crimean Peninsula was a focal point of the war, and cities like Sevastopol, a major Russian naval base, is marked.
3. Austria: The Austrian Empire under Emperor Franz Joseph I was deeply involved in the geopolitics of the region, though it remained neutral during most of the Crimean War. The map shows Austrian provinces along the empire’s eastern frontier, particularly Galicia (now in Poland and Ukraine) and Transylvania (now part of Romania), as well as its border with the Ottoman Empire.
4. The Black Sea: The Black Sea was a key strategic theatre during the Crimean War. The map details the Black Sea coastline, including major ports like Odessa (in Russia), Constantinople (Istanbul, in Ottoman Turkey), and Varna (in modern-day Bulgaria). The positioning of naval forces and the control of access to the sea via the Dardanelles and Bosporus straits were critical elements of the conflict.
5. Other Regions: The map would also include Moldavia and Wallachia, which were Ottoman vassal states and located in modern-day Romania. These provinces were battlegrounds between the Russian and Ottoman forces, with significant Russian influence over them prior to and during the war.

Key Features of the Map

1. Political Boundaries: The map outlines the political boundaries of the three major powers (Russia, the Ottoman Empire, and Austria) and the provinces under their control or influence. These borders were often in flux due to the war, and the map reflects the tensions and competing claims in the region, especially in the contested areas of Crimea, the Danube Principalities, and the Caucasus.
2. Topographical Details: The map provides topographical features, such as mountain ranges, rivers, and the Black Sea coastline, which were crucial for military planning. For instance, the Carpathian Mountains (in Austria and the Balkans) and the Caucasus Mountains (between Russia and the Ottoman Empire) are significant natural barriers that played a role in the movement of armies and supplies.
3. Key Cities and Fortifications: Major cities, fortresses, and strategic ports would be marked, such as:
   • Sevastopol: The Russian fortress city in Crimea, which became the focal point of a major siege during the war.
   • Constantinople (Istanbul): The capital of the Ottoman Empire, controlling access between the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
   • Bucharest and Iasi: Key cities in Wallachia and Moldavia, respectively, which were occupied by Russian forces during the early stages of the conflict.
4. Routes and Communications: The map shows major roads, trade routes, and railways, which were vital for the movement of troops, supplies, and communication between the fronts. The importance of controlling these routes was a key factor in the military strategies of the various powers.

This map reflects the broader geopolitical landscape of mid-19th century Eastern Europe and the Near East. It illustrates the contested nature of the frontier provinces between Russia, Austria, and the Ottoman Empire, highlighting the long-standing rivalries that would continue to shape European politics well beyond the Crimean War.

The war itself had far-reaching consequences, including the weakening of Russia’s influence in the region, the acceleration of the Ottoman Empire’s decline, and a realignment of European powers that would influence events leading up to the First World War. This map from 1854 captures a critical moment in this turbulent period, providing a snapshot of the strategic interests and territorial disputes that defined this era.

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