Southern Europe · 20th century
€ 400
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good condition. Central vertical folding lines as issued. Aged paper with typically warm, yellowish-brown hue, especially around the edges and folding lines, adding to its patina. Check the images carefully.
The image for sale is a historical map of Spanish possessions in North Africa, dated 1903. The map includes the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, the Chafarinas Islands, the Alhucemas Islands, and the Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera. These territories are located along the northern coast of Morocco and are significant due to their strategic positions at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
Ceuta and Melilla are two autonomous Spanish cities on the northern coast of Africa, bordered by Morocco. They have a complex history, shaped by their strategic military and trade positions and the cultural influences of Christians, Muslims, and Jews.
The Chafarinas Islands are an archipelago of three small islets, with Spain maintaining a garrison on one of them. Similarly, the Alhucemas Islands and the Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera are small territories under Spanish control.
These areas are known for:
1. **Military Significance**: Due to their strategic location, they have been historically significant for military control of the Mediterranean.
2. **Cultural Diversity**: The cities of Ceuta and Melilla, in particular, are known for their multicultural heritage, with Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities coexisting.
3. **Biodiversity**: The islands, especially the Chafarinas Islands, are important for their biodiversity and are protected areas with a rich variety of birdlife and marine species.
4. **Migration Crossroads**: These enclaves are also contemporary hotspots for migration issues, as they are gateways between Africa and Europe.
