Mapping Muslim Kingdoms

Joan Blaeu (1596–1673)
Grooten atlas, oft Werelt beschryving [The Great Atlas, or, A Description of the World]
Amsterdam, 1648–64
NYPL, Map Division

This Dutch map of the Asian continent, centered on West Asia, suggests the exoticism of these regions, as well as neighboring Muscovite Russia. Central Asia is typified by a camel; India by an elephant. Square-rigged galleons sail the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea; a whale spouts at top right. The outer margins present vividly hand-colored costume drawings of “Muscovites,” “Tatars,” and others.