Lot 212: An Ottoman Hand-Drawn Plan of the Grand Mosque in Mecca (Al-Masjid al-Haram), 19th Century

An Ottoman hand-drawn plan of the Grand Mosque in Mecca (Al-Masjid al-Haram), depicting a detailed bird’s-eye view of the holy complex. Executed in black and red ink on aged, light brown paper or parchment, the central image features the Kaaba (الكعبة) surrounded by an extensive layout of arcaded buildings, numerous labeled gates including Bab al-Salam (باب السلام), Bab al-Umrah (باب العمرة), Bab al-Nabi (باب النبي), and Bab al-Wada’ (باب الوداع), minarets, and other associated structures. Additional Arabic script provides further labeling within the plan. This type of depiction is often associated with Hajj certificates or devotional maps, sometimes referred to as ‘Mir’at al-Haramayn’ (Mirror of the Two Holy Mosques).

With frame: Approximately 68.5 x 53cm