Plan of the Temple Mount – Large-Scale Architectural Sketch from the First British "Ordnance Survey of Jerusalem" – ...

"Haram Grounds &c.", architectural plan (or "floor plan") of the Temple Mount and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. From the first British ordnance survey of Jerusalem led by Charles William Wilson. Printed on behalf of the "Ordnance Survey of Jerusalem", Southampton, 1865.

Detailed architectural plan of the area of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, including Latin transcriptions and English translations of the original Arabic names of the relevant sites. Created as part of the comprehensive survey of Jerusalem conducted by the British army. The sketch is divided into eight parts, all mounted onto a foldable linen cloth surface.

The "Ordnance Survey of Jerusalem", led by the British army engineer Charles William Wilson (1836-1905), was conducted in the years 1864-65. This was the first technical survey ever to be executed by British authorities outside English territory. Under its auspices, the first systematically measured and scientifically charted map of Jerusalem was prepared; the eponymous "Wilson’s Arch" was discovered and identified; and the subterranean architectural foundations of the Temple Mount (known in Arabic as "Al-Harem A-Sharif" – "the Noble Sanctuary") were mapped and documented. The survey’s findings provided the groundwork for the establishment of the Palestine Exploration Fund (PEF) in 1865.

102X134.5 cm. Good condition. Stains, incl. minor dampstains. Wear.