Ancient Maps of Morocco and Africa Illuminate European Perspectives in Essaouira Exhibition
Essaouira is currently hosting an exhibition, “Old maps of Morocco and Africa. European perspectives on a territory in movement,” showcasing a collection of around fifty original maps, some centuries old, from the private collection of French collector Léopold Denis. The exhibition, held at the riad L’Heure Bleue Palais, offers a glimpse into how Europeans historically perceived the African continent and Morocco.
A Historical Perspective Through Cartography
As French geographer Jacques Élisée Reclus noted in the 19th century, “History is only geography in time, as geography is only history in space.” The exhibition highlights this connection, demonstrating how maps are not merely geographical indicators but also reflections of the political, economic, and cultural contexts of their time. The art of cartography, evolving from ancient civilizations, became a crucial tool for exploration, trade, and, later, colonial expansion.
Léopold Denis and the Collection
The maps on display are the property of Léopold Denis, founder of an online marketplace for antique maps. Denis expressed his enthusiasm for exhibiting in Essaouira, praising the city’s “magnificent and full of history” atmosphere, which he believes complements the historical nature of the maps.
Medieval Roots of Cartography
The exhibition acknowledges the significant contributions of Muslim scholars from Morocco and Al-Andalus to the development of cartography during the Middle Ages. Denis specifically highlighted the work of Al-Idrisi, a 12th-century geographer whose comprehensive work, “The Book of Roger,” was a landmark achievement in cartography, encompassing a vast area from Siberia to equatorial Africa and from Korea to the Canary Islands. This work served as a foundation for later European cartographers like Gérard Mercator, Hondius, Janssonius, and the Blaeu family.
The 17th Century: A Turning Point
The 17th century marked a pivotal period in European cartography, driven by the rise of Dutch maritime power. The Dutch East India Company, with its fleet of approximately 4,000 ships, gathered extensive geographical information, fueling the production and dissemination of more accurate and numerous maps.
Maps as Political and Ideological Tools
The exhibition also touches upon the political dimensions of mapmaking. In the 19th century, during the height of colonial expansion, European maps increasingly reflected ideological agendas. Cartographer Victor Levasseur, for example, emphasized ancient monuments, indigenous populations, and wildlife in his depictions of Africa, arguably as an invitation to exploration and colonization.
The Ongoing Debate: Representation and Territorial Integrity
The exhibition acknowledges the ongoing debate surrounding the representation of Africa on maps, particularly the criticism that the continent is often depicted as smaller than its actual size. Denis explained that distortions often stem from mathematical and geometric constraints inherent in map projections, such as the Mercator projection, designed for navigational purposes. In Morocco, the accurate representation of its Saharan regions remains a sensitive political issue.
The Enduring Legacy of Cartography
The exhibition serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of cartography and its enduring influence on our understanding of the world. While modern maps rely on satellite technology, the exhibition celebrates the artistry, skill, and historical context embedded in these ancient maps.
The exhibition “Old maps of Morocco and Africa, European perspective on a territory in movement,” featuring the collection of Léopold Denis, was on display until February 25 at L’Heure Bleue Palais, Essaouira.