Carte routière de la République Libanaise 1928

This rare original 1928 "Carte Routière de la République Libanaise" offers a fascinating cartographic portrait of Lebanon during the formative years of the modern Lebanese state.

Printed only a few years after the establishment of the French Mandate for Lebanon and Syria, the map documents the young Republic of Lebanon as its transportation infrastructure and national identity were beginning to take shape. It stands today as both a practical travel document and an important historical artifact from the interwar Middle East.

Executed in an elegant blueprint-style design, the map presents the entire Lebanese territory from Tripoli in the north to the southern border, while also extending eastward toward Damascus, illustrating the close geographical and economic connections that existed throughout the Levant during the period.

The network of roads, mountain routes and regional connections reveals the strategic importance of Lebanon as a crossroads between the Mediterranean coast and the interior of Syria and the Near East. Coastal cities such as Beirut, Sidon (Saïda) and Tyre (Sour) appear alongside mountain villages and inland settlements, offering a remarkable snapshot of the country's geography before the rapid urban development of the second half of the twentieth century.

The striking blue-and-white graphic treatment recalls architectural blueprints and engineering drawings, lending the piece an unexpectedly modern aesthetic despite its documentary purpose. The minimalist presentation transforms what was originally a utilitarian object into a highly decorative work of graphic art.

Maps of Lebanon produced during the French Mandate period are considerably rarer than their European equivalents, particularly examples intended for motorists and travellers. As automobile tourism expanded throughout the 1920s, road maps became essential tools for visitors, diplomats, military personnel and commercial travellers navigating the rapidly modernising infrastructure of the region.

Beyond its cartographic value, the poster captures a pivotal historical moment. Lebanon was emerging as a distinct political entity while preserving its role as a cultural and commercial bridge between East and West. The routes depicted here would soon become vital arteries for trade, tourism and diplomacy throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.

Today, original maps from the French Mandate period are highly sought after by collectors of Middle Eastern history, cartography and travel ephemera. Their rarity, historical significance and graphic appeal make them particularly desirable pieces for collectors interested in the history of Lebanon and the Levant.

Combining historical importance, elegant design and documentary value, this original 1928 Road Map of the Lebanese Republic represents a remarkable testimony to the early years of modern Lebanon and the evolution of transportation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Original Poster

Middle East - Lebanon - Transport - Automotive

Based on the 1:200000 map of the Ottoman Empire

Good condition, creases, small tears