The History of Creating First World Map

World Map

Cartography 

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AL-IDRISI

Al-Idrisi is an Arab Geographer, sent on a mission to create a WORLD MAP. He created one of the most studied works of mapmaking and geography. 

Muhammad al-idrisi also called al-sharif al-idrisi. Born in 1100, in Sabtah, Morocco (present day Ceuta, Spain North Africa). he died in 1165, in Sicily or Sabtah. He is a Royal Adviser to Norman King of Sicily ROGER II. He wrote one of the greatest works of Medieval Geography, (The Pleasure Excursion of One Who Is Eager to Traverse the Regions of The World).

Al-Idrisi is believed to be the Descendant of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. He attended the University in Cordoba, Spain, and traveled throughout North Africa, Europe's Mediterranean region, and Spain. 

Later in 1145, while still at peak of his power  Al-Idrisi became an adviser to King Roger II of Sicily. Roger II hired al-idrisi to create an updated and most accurate World Map. Al-idrisi sent travelers and geographers around the world to gather knowledge for this updated map and others. 

Later

Around 1154 CE, King Roger II of Sicily is dying. And the finished product of World Map included a text illustrating the geographic findings and a Collection of  70 Maps that included the World North of the Equator. Al-idrisi's work was translated into Latin and studied Globally. 

Present at his funeral was one Muhammad Sharif al al-idrisi (d. 1165 AD) of Cordoba, famous geographer and close confident of  King Roger II. In his possession was his Royal friend's dying wish- a World Map that would preserve the King's lifelong passion for Knowledge and Book entitled ENTERTAINMENT for He Who Longs to Travel The World. 

In True Royal Fashion, The World Map was engraved onto a giant silver disc that has since been lost.

Early designed map

Al-idrisi's world map is a unique blend of artistic flair and mathematical accuracy that combines the knowledge of Greek and Islamic schools of Cartography. 

For modern audience to understand this map, first we must turn it to upside-down so the little umbrella-shaped  mountains face south. The Continent of Europe points north and stretches from England to Central Asia; the rough array of  triangular zig-zags represent the Himalayas, with the brown spiral  (top right) symbolising the people of Gog and Magog, separated from humanity by an imposing mountain range. 

The larger jellyfish shaped mountain represent the river Nile, a symbol that is derived from the Greek geographer Claudius Ptolemy who believed the source of the Nile came from the "Mountain of The Moon". No such mountain actually exists, it did not stop Muslim Cartographers from incorporating the symbol into their World Maps.

Book of Curiosities 

We are still left we a question, if the original and circular map of  Al-Idrisi  does not appear anywhere in his book ENTERTAINMENT, then how has the images still been preserved by copyists? 

The reality is that circular map has captivated copyists through the centuries. Since the original was not preserved, it cannot be said with certainty that the iconic image we associate with Al-Idrisi is an accurate representation of his original work.   

Another source of contention has led some to question if the circular world map can even be attributed to al-idrisi. A Fatimid treatise called The BOOK OF CURIOSITIES was discovered in 2002. Written in the 11th century, the treatise is a 13th century copy of the book. The same circular map was found within its pages. The debate is whether this map copied directly from the original 11th century manuscript, thereby predating al-idrisi entirely, or if the copyist took the liberty to include it in the 13th copy of the Book Of Curiosities, having taken it from al-idrisi's 12th century work. Due to the absence of the original maps and our over-reliance on copies, either scenario is plausible.

First World Map

In 1928 a German historian named Konrad Miller created a composite rectangular map consisting of the 70 regional maps from al-idrisi's ENTERTAINMENT. Putting  the individual maps together like a jigsaw puzzle, it bore a striking resemblance to the circular map that has been preserved by copyists throughout the centuries. 

Though the absence of world map in al-idrisi's treatise is frustrating, he had a clear purpose in dividing the world up into separate regional maps. As he explains in his ENTERTAINMENT, they were intended to be studied individually,

"that the one who observes it can see that which is hidden from his sight, or  not known to him, or would not be able to reach himself due to the difficulty of the roads and the differences between nations. But through observation of these maps, he is able to grasp this knowledge accurately".

Even without the iconic circular world map, no one can doubt the creativity and ambition of Al-idrisi's work and his lasting contribution to cartography. 

Conclusion 

The history of the world map is a testament to humanity's relentless curiosity and enduring quest for understanding. From the ancient depictions etched on clay tablets to the detailed, satellite-aided maps of today, each iteration of the world map represents a step forward in our collective knowledge. These maps not only chart physical landscapes but also reflect cultural exchanges, technological advancements, and the evolving perceptions of the world. 

As we continue to explore and map our planet, let us appreciate the rich legacy of cartography and the profound connections it fosters among diverse peoples and places. The journey of mapping the world is an ongoing story, inviting future generations to contribute their discoveries and perspectives to this ever-expanding tapestry.

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