An illuminated manuscript map of Malta, Gozo, Comino and Cominotto islands. The map was made by Piri Reis, a prominent 16th-century Ottoman admiral and a noted cartographer, for his 1525 atlas Kitab-i Bahriye (Naval Book or Book of the Sea). The illuminated manuscript atlas was a part of the imperial library of Suleiman I, dedicated and presented to the sultan by Piri Reis. Suleiman I considered the Knights of St. John amongst his worst enemies, and was extremely proud that he was able to oust them from Rhodes in 1522. Piri Reis himself was a veteran of the Rhodes battle. He, however, did not make it to the Siege of Malta in 1565. In 1553, at the tender age of 88, Piri Reis was beheaded by his sultan. His map, in all probability, made it to the battle, as one of the most current navigational charts of the Maltese archipelago in the sultan’s arsenal, with a fairly accurate depiction of the Valletta Harbour. Ultimately, Piri Reis’ beautiful map could not bring victory to the Turks. A 40,000-strong force of Ottoman navy, Tripoli pirates, and various Muslim volunteers failed to overcome the Maltese defences — 500 Knights of the Order of St. John, and a few thousand servants, locals, slaves, support staff, and various assorted soldiers. To this day, the Maltese victory is considered as one of the greatest military accomplishments in recorded history.
• Old map of Malta, illuminated manuscript, Kitab-i Bahriye, (1521) 1525, Piri Reis
• Fine Art Premium Giclée (Gouttelette) Print (100% cotton 340 gsm fine art paper)
• Made in USA