Old Map of Syria & Cyprus by John Tallis, 1851: Palestine, Lebanon, Damascus, Jerusalem, Beirut, Nicosia

Step into the vibrant crossroads of 19th-century history with John Tallis’s captivating “Syria,” a map whose original title reflects the sweeping scope and cosmopolitan complexity of the region it portrays. Created in 1851, this map is a window into a world where ancient civilizations and bustling trade routes converged along the eastern Mediterranean. From the storied shores of Cyprus to the fertile plains of Syria, the map’s meticulous detail offers a rare glimpse into the political and physical landscape as it was understood during a time of burgeoning European exploration and scholarly curiosity.

John Tallis, the esteemed British cartographer behind this masterpiece, was renowned for his ability to blend precision with artistry. His maps, celebrated for their clarity and decorative flourishes, graced the pages of R. Montgomery Martin’s illustrious Illustrated Atlas—one of the last great decorative atlases of the 19th century. Tallis’s approach was both scientific and aesthetic, ensuring that each map not only informed but delighted, making them prized possessions for collectors and scholars alike.

This map’s geographic reach is as impressive as its artistry, stretching from the Gulf of Alexandretta in the north to the storied Suez region in the south. It encompasses a tapestry of regions and cities that remain vital to this day: Damascus and Aleppo in Syria, Beirut and Tripoli in Lebanon, Jerusalem and Gaza in Palestine, and the ancient cities of Cyprus such as Nicosia and Larnaca. Each settlement is carefully inscribed, inviting the viewer to trace the routes and connections that defined the region’s cultural and economic life.

The map’s visual richness is further enhanced by Tallis’s signature decorative vignettes, which frame the cartographic detail with evocative scenes of Jerusalem, local inhabitants in traditional attire, and caravans of baggage camels traversing the arid landscape. These illustrations not only add aesthetic value but also serve as a cultural lens, offering insight into the daily rhythms and enduring traditions of the people who shaped the land. The physical geography is rendered with equal care, highlighting the imposing Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges, the shimmering Dead Sea, and the lush valleys that have sustained civilizations for millennia.

Historically, “Syria” stands as a testament to a pivotal era in Middle Eastern cartography, capturing a region on the cusp of modern transformation. Its borders and place names evoke the Ottoman world, while its attention to roads, mountains, and coastlines reflects the era’s fascination with exploration and discovery. For the discerning collector, this map is not merely a relic of the past, but a vibrant narrative—one that continues to inspire wonder and scholarly inquiry into the enduring legacy of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Cities and towns on this map

• Syria:
• Damascus
• Aleppo
• Homs (labelled as Hems)
• Hama (labelled as Hamah)
• Latakia (labelled as Ladikea)
• Lebanon:
• Beirut (labelled as Beyrout)
• Tripoli (labelled as Tripoli)
• Israel and Palestine:
• Jerusalem
• Gaza
• Jaffa (labelled as Jaffa or Joppa)
• Acre (labelled as Acre or Akka)
• Nazareth
• Cyprus:
• Nicosia (labelled as Lefkosia)
• Larnaca (labelled as Larnika)
• Famagusta (labelled as Famagusta)
• Limassol (labelled as Limasol)
• Paphos (labelled as Baffo)
• Turkey (modern-day):
• İskenderun (labelled as Alexandretta)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset illustrations/vignettes:
• Jerusalem (cityscape)
• Local population (depicted in traditional attire)
• Baggage camels (illustrating local transportation methods)
• Bodies of water:
• Mediterranean Sea
• Dead Sea
• Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias)
• Gulf of Alexandretta (modern-day İskenderun Gulf)
• Mountains:
• Lebanon Mountains (Mount Lebanon)
• Anti-Lebanon Mountains
• Borders/Regions:
• Clearly marked boundaries of historical regions such as Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, and Cyprus
• Landmarks:
• Mount Carmel
• Mount Hermon
• Mount Lebanon
• Islands:
• Cyprus (clearly visible and labeled)

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Syria [shows Cyprus]
• Date of creation: 1851
• Mapmaker/Publisher: John Tallis, a renowned British cartographer known for his detailed and decorative maps produced in the mid-19th century
• Original publication: Appeared in R. Montgomery Martin's Illustrated Atlas, recognized as one of the last great decorative atlases of the 19th century
• Geographical scope: Covers the region from the Gulf of Alexandretta to the Suez region, including Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, parts of modern-day Israel, Jordan, and Cyprus
• Themes and topics: Political boundaries, physical geography, major roads, towns, and significant historical and cultural landmarks
• Design and style: Highly decorative, typical of mid-19th-century cartography, featuring elaborate borders and detailed vignettes
• Historical significance: Reflects the geopolitical and cultural understanding of the Middle East region in the mid-19th century, a period marked by European interest and exploration in the area

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.