Cartographical Map of Iran Once Known as Persia Showing Many Places of Biblical and Historical Interest

Uncommon WWII pictorial map of Iran.

This quaint pictorial map of Iran was published in Tehran in 1944 by the U.S. Persian Gulf Command. It highlights an interesting mix of the mythical, historic, and modern, noting the conquests of Alexander the Great, Sinbad the Sailor, caravans of the Silk Road, and various Biblical sites (including the Garden of Eden and Noah’s Ark!). These are depicted alongside oil refineries, railway lines, and primary exports of the 20th century. The Lion and Sun, iconic emblems of Iran until the 1979 Revolution, can be seen in each corner. The map appears occasionally on the market, though it is uncommon in institutional collections. Examples can be found at the Library of Congress and Stanford University. A previous owner has written on this copy ‘Love Here’ near Ahwaz.

During World War II, Iran was strategically important due to its location and oil resources, leading to its occupation by Allied forces in 1941 to ensure supply lines and prevent German influence. The Allies, primarily Britain and the Soviet Union, established a corridor for transporting war supplies to the latter, known as the Persian Corridor. Despite its nominal neutrality, Iran experienced significant economic and political turmoil, including internal resistance and the forced abdication of Shah Reza Pahlavi in favor of his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The occupation laid the groundwork for post-war geopolitical dynamics in the region and contributed to the eventual Cold War tensions in the Middle East.

Source: OCLC# 1089259096