Rare Old Tribe Map of Arabia, 1916: UAE, Iraqi & Saudi Tribes, Cities, Arab Revolt, WW1 Admiralty War Chart

Step into the rich tapestry of Arabian history with this exquisite 1916 Tribal Map of Arabia, a remarkable creation by the Admiralty War Staff. This thematic map, crafted during the tumultuous era of World War I, offers a detailed depiction of the tribal and geographical landscape of the Arabian Peninsula. With tribes marked in vivid red and locations in classic black, the map serves as an invaluable artifact, providing insight into the region's socio-political dynamics at the onset of the Great Arab Revolt. This map is not just a visual delight but a window into a pivotal moment in history, where the British-backed Arab uprising sought to reshape the Middle Eastern political landscape.

The map’s intricate details reveal the distribution of various tribes such as the Ateibah, Shammar, and Mutair, highlighting their territories in a striking red font. This color-coding effectively distinguishes tribal regions, making it easier to understand the complex tribal affiliations and their geographical spread. The inclusion of major cities like Baghdad, Damascus, and Medina, marked in black, further enriches the map’s narrative, connecting tribal lands with significant urban centers. This dual-color scheme not only enhances readability but also underscores the strategic importance of these locations during the Great Arab Revolt.

Published by the esteemed Ordnance Survey in 1916, this map was an essential tool for British officers, including the legendary T. E. Lawrence, known as "Lawrence of Arabia." The map’s design reflects the meticulous craftsmanship and strategic foresight of the British Admiralty War Staff, who sought to provide their officers with a comprehensive understanding of the Arabian Peninsula’s tribal and geographical intricacies. The map’s official use designation and its role in British intelligence operations underscore its historical significance and the critical role it played in the broader context of World War I.

Beyond its military and strategic value, this map is a testament to the early stirrings of Arab nationalism. The Great Arab Revolt, which this map was designed to support, was a defining moment in the quest for Arab independence from the Ottoman Empire. The eventual defeat of the Ottomans and the creation of several Arab states can be traced back to the efforts documented in this map. As such, it holds a special place in the annals of Middle Eastern history, symbolizing the birth of modern Arab nations and the enduring legacy of the Arab nationalist movement.

The map’s elegant design and historical context make it a prized addition to any collection of antique maps or Middle Eastern artifacts. Its detailed portrayal of tribal regions, geographical features like the Red Sea and Arabian Desert, and significant cities offers a unique blend of aesthetic appeal and educational value. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a cartography aficionado, or a collector of rare maps, this 1916 Tribal Map of Arabia is a captivating piece that brings the past to life, offering a tangible connection to the events and people that shaped the modern Middle East.

Places on this map

• Countries and Regions:
• Arabia
• Iraq
• Syria
• Yemen
• Oman
• UAE
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Jordan
• Cities:
• Baghdad
• Damascus
• Medina
• Mecca
• Aden
• Riyadh
• Hodeidah
• Muscat
• Geographical Features:
• Red Sea
• Persian Gulf
• Arabian Desert (Rub' al Khali)
• Sinai Peninsula
• Gulf of Aden
• Mediterranean Sea
• Tribal Regions:
• Ateibah
• Shammar
• Mutair
• Huwaitat
• Dhafir
• Ajman
• Bani Yas
• Manasir
• Bani Hajar

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Tribes:
• Names of tribes are printed in red text.
• Tribes such as Ateibah, Shammar, and Mutair are prominently marked.
• Locations:
• Locations are printed in black text.
• Major cities like Baghdad, Damascus, and Medina are shown.
• Geographical Features:
• The map includes geographical features such as the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Arabian Desert.
• Political Boundaries:
• The map shows the regions controlled by different tribes.
• Scale:
• The map has a scale of 1:9,000,000.
• Historical Context:
• The map was created during World War I and reflects the British military strategy.
• Official Use:
• The map is marked "For Official Use only."
• Publication Information:
• Published by Ordnance Survey in 1916.
• British Intelligence:
• Part of a British intelligence handbook used by officers like T. E. Lawrence.
• Arab Revolt:
• The map was used during the Great Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire.
• Arab Nationalism:
• The map is significant in the history of Arab nationalism.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Tribal Map of Arabia
• Creation Date: 1916
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Admiralty War Staff
• Interesting Context: The map was created by the British Admiralty War Staff for official use during World War I.
• Historical Context:
• The map was published at the outset of the Great Arab Revolt of 1916.
• The Arab Revolt was a military uprising against the Ottoman Empire to create an Arab state stretching from Syria to Yemen.
• The Revolt was backed by the British, who promised to recognize the new state.
• T. E. Lawrence, known as "Lawrence of Arabia," worked with Arabs in their fight against the Ottomans.
• The Revolt and British military action led to the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the Arabian Peninsula and the creation of several Arab states.
• The map is seen as an important document in the history of Arab nationalism.
• Themes and Topics:
• Tribal Distribution: The map shows the distribution of tribes in Arabia, with tribe names printed in red text.
• Geographical Locations: Locations are printed in black text.
• Military and Political Context: The map was intended for British officers working in the Arabian Peninsula to defeat the Ottomans.
• Design and Style:
• The map is an infographic thematic map.
• It uses red text for tribes and black text for locations.
• The map is designed to convey information visually and was intended for official military use.
• Historical Significance:
• The map is part of an early British intelligence handbook on the Arabian Peninsula.
• It reflects British strategic interests and involvement in the Middle East during World War I.
• The map provides insight into the tribal and political landscape of Arabia during a pivotal moment in history.

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 16x16in (40x40cm) 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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

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 in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) 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).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

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 are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

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 on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map 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 unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

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

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

Almost all of my maps 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.