I. Introduction: Is a Map Just for Showing the Way?
We use maps to understand the world.
But sometimes, maps distort the view of the world — they even write history.
Whoever draws the map, shapes the world through their perspective.
II. The Political Anatomy of a Map
A map is a political tool.
The Mercator projection, which placed Europe at the center, influenced how the world was viewed for centuries.
Africa and South America were minimized; Europe and Russia were artificially enlarged.
III. The Maps of Colonialism
As Europeans built their empires, they “discovered” the world through maps.
Military maps, drawn borders, and the concept of “empty lands.”
Africa, India, and Southeast Asia became victims of this political mapping.
IV. Erased Histories: If You’re Not on the Map, You Don’t Exist
Some nations, languages, and cultures were forgotten simply because they weren’t drawn on a map.
Nature, traditions, and mythology were squeezed out of cartographic representation.
Example: Aboriginal "songlines" were oral maps — not on paper, but passed down through memory and sound.
V. Alternative Maps: The World Could Look Very Different
The Peters Projection map presents Africa and Asia more accurately in scale.
“South-up” maps place the south on top and the north on the bottom.
Topographic maps focus not on borders, but on shape, feeling, and the spirit of the land.
VI. New Maps in Virtual Reality
Google Earth, OpenStreetMap — history can now be added to the map.
Everyone can contribute their own memory, story, and perspective.
For the first time in history, the map is no longer singular.
VII. A Case from Azerbaijan: Karabakh, Nakhchivan, Aran
Karabakh was sometimes labeled as “empty land” on global maps.
An attempt at erasing history — if you're not on the map, your rights are also in question.
A map is not just direction — it is a document of truth and justice.
VIII. Epilogue: The One Who Draws the Map, Writes the Story
A map is not just mountains, seas, and borders.
It is a visual script of history.
Whoever draws it, writes the narrative.
But today, each of us carries a map in our heart.
Final Question to the Reader:
From what perspective would you draw the map of the world?
Is being on the map enough to enter the pages of history?
Share your thoughts — Shefeq.com is here to help add your perspective to the map.