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Fine, Rare Illustrated Map of Iraq
Colorfully-decorated map of Iraq by the Baghdad Survey Press. It was prepared, drawn, and written by A. Karim Rifaat for the Development Board and Ministry of Development.
The map displays the entirety of Iraq. It features illustrations of Iraq’s ancient sites, summer resorts, agricultural products, and industries. These include water wheels, camels, dates, and the Arch of Ctesiphon, just to name a few.
The map also includes demographic information about Iraq located in a table on the righthand side, underneath the title. Above the English title and block of text with details about Iraq is a corresponding title and a block of text in Arabic. All labels are in both English and Arabic.
There is an inset map with transportation routes throughout the country including roads, railways, pipelines, and airlines. Both the inset and the larger map have graphic scale bars. The original price, 100 fils, was a price meant to attract the 1950s tourist or businessman.
With Iraq newly independent in 1932, this map presumably served to showcase Iraq’s features and bring attention to possible new development and tourism. However, Britain still retained a strong influence on Iraq until the monarchy was overthrown in 1958.
It was published by the Development Board and Ministry of Development, which was established in 1950. The Board’s goals were largely to investigate and utilize Iraq’s natural resources, grow its economy, and improve the standard of living for the people.
This map would appeal to those interested in development and resource extraction, map illustrations, and the Middle East.
