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Good. Even overall toning. Some edge wear. Size 28 x 41 Inches. A seminal map. This large-scale manuscript map is the first scientific survey of the Islamic holy city of Medina (Ø§Ù Ù…Ø Ù Ù Ø Ø§Ù Ù…Ù Ù Ø±Ø / Madinah), in modern-day Saudi Arabia. The map was compiled for Abd al-Mutalib ibn Ghalib, Emir and Grand Sharif of Mecca, known for his pro-slavery anti-Ottoman positions, as well as for his modernization of infrastructure in both Mecca and Medina. A Closer Look The map is hand-drawn in black ink with watercolor wash. It is oriented to the north. The Prophetâ s Mosque Al Masjid an Nabawi Ø§Ù Ù…Ø Ø Ø Ø§Ù Ù Ø Ù Ù appears prominently just to the right of center, with a large separate key at bottom-center elaborating on its main sections, veneration sites, and monuments. The map details an array of important structures, including offices, hammams, the general fountain, separate fountains for men and women (blue), an Egyptian Palace, a military hospital, and a fortress. This last is detailed with a garden, kitchen, officerâ s quarters and commissary (army store), and imperial military quarters. Tiny side streets, charmingly illustrated smaller square streets with palm trees, illustrate the city's rapid expansion and urbanization beyond the city walls. Gardens and important courtyards (Courtyard of the State, Royal Courtyard,â ¦), are also noted. Al-Baqi Cemetery One significant feature of this map is its detailed representation of Al-Baqi Cemetery (Jannat al-Baqi) Ù±Ù Ù Ø Ù Ù Ù Ù Ù Ø located on the right-hand side of the map (green wash), where the six most important tombs are identified and described in a key above. The cemetery is the oldest in the Hejazi Region. The site was personally selected by the Prophet as the site for the burial of his companion Uthman ibn Mazâ un, making it the first Islamic cemetery in Medina. Over the years, it has become the burial site for numerous members of the Prophetâ s family, including his wives, daughters, and grandson Hasan ibn Ali. Many of the Prophetâ s companions (Sahabah) are also buried here, making it a place of great reverence for Muslims. The original cemetery was partially demolished in 1926 by the Saudi government in an attempt to promote a return to a more austere form of Islam, emphasizing simplicity and avoiding the veneration of graves. This action sparked controversy and grief among many Muslims who felt a deep connection to the historical and spiritual heritage of the cemetery. Very few representations of the cemetery survive that predate this event - this being, perhaps, the best. Today, Al-Baqi is enclosed and well-maintained, with clear pathways for visitors to walk and pay their respects. Historical Context This is one of two known maps of Medina made in the 19th century. Both were produced at the order of Abd al-Mutalib ibn Ghalib, the first c. 1853 during his second reign (1851 - 1856) as Emir and Grand Sharif of Mecca (see: à mer Faruk Yilmaz, Belgelerle Osmanlı devrinde Hicaz, 2008 and Atef Alshehri, Ottoman Spatial Organization of the pre-modern City of Medina, ABE Journal, 2018), and this one in 1880, during his third reign (1880 - 1881). The present map is by far the superior, benefiting from the first scientific survey of the city, and thus is significantly larger and richer in detail and general content. Both are administrative plans, intended for the management of the holy city, civic infrastructure development, and Abd al-Mutalib ibn Ghalib's anti-Ottoman military ambitions. The period of its manufacture coincides with waning Ottoman hegemony and the rise of the Second Saudi State (1240 - 1309 AH / 1824 - 1891 AD). Although the Arabian peninsula was under Ottoman suzerainty, the pilgrimage centers, Mecca and Medina, operated autonomously under the Emir and Grand Sharif of Mecca. As both religious sites and semi-autonomous cities, Mecca and Medina became centers of attempts to drive the Ottomans out of Arabia. Abd al-Mutalib ibn Ghalib was staunchly an.
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