Bookvica

[KARS] Ottoman map, showing a recently altered Russian-Turkish border

Item #2164

[1890s-1900s]. 65,5x44 cm.

The map was rolled, the tears to the margins and marginal soiling remain. Otherwise good.

The central town shown on the map is Kars, the historically Armenian town, which now is a part of Turkey. During the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878, Kars was captured by the Russian Army on 6th of November, 1878. This was the last and final act of the war, soon after which the peace treaty was signed. As a result Russia gained control over the Kars region that became one of the provinces of the Russian Empire. This was very important for the Armenian population of the region as for the first time since the XVIIth century the Ottoman Empire didn’t control some of the historically Armenian territories. The important role in the siege of Kars was played by general Ivan Lazarev, of Armenian descent.
The city remained under Russian control until 1918, after which it became Turkish again and remains to this day.

The map shows the Kars province as a part of the Russian Empire in the borders agreed by Treaty of San Stefano in 1878. Interestingly, according to the same treaty Ottomans vouched for their earlier-given promises to handle reforms in Armenia to protect the Armenians from any abuse (Article 16).

Price: $850.00