This separately published map covers the regions of Epirus and Thessaly in the southern Balkans during a time of significant political and social change.
This map reflects not only the geography of the area but also the shifting borders and contested political realities of the second half of the 19th century, as the Ottoman Empire faced increasing challenges to its territorial integrity in Europe. The map is finely detailed, capturing the topographical features of these regions, including mountain ranges, rivers, and key settlements, while also illustrating the administrative boundaries of the era.
Epirus and Thessaly were part of the Ottoman Empire throughout much of the 19th century, but they became focal points of rising nationalist movements and competing territorial claims. Thessaly, in particular, experienced dramatic political change during this period. Following the Crimean War (1853–1856) and the Treaty of Paris, nationalist fervor in the Balkans grew, driven by the decline of Ottoman power and the influence of newly independent states like Greece. Thessaly, with its strategic location and fertile plains, was central to these nationalist aspirations, becoming a target of irredentist ambitions from Greece. By the time this map was revised in 1880, Thessaly had been ceded to Greece under the terms of the Treaty of Berlin (1878), which sought to stabilize the region and mitigate tensions between the Great Powers and the Ottoman Empire.
Epirus, on the other hand, remained under Ottoman rule, despite ongoing unrest and the aspirations of both Greek and Albanian nationalist movements. The region was characterized by its rugged terrain and ethnically diverse population, including Greeks, Albanians, and Vlachs. In the aftermath of the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878) and the Berlin Congress, Epirus became a flashpoint of tension between the Ottoman Empire and Greece, which sought to annex parts of the region. The geopolitical significance of Epirus lay in its proximity to the Ionian Sea and its role as a buffer between Ottoman holdings and the expanding Greek state.
The Carte de l'Épire et de la Thessalie not only captures the physical geography of the region but also provides a window into a time of profound transformation in the Balkans. The map reflects the political complexities of the period, as the Ottoman Empire struggled to maintain control over its European provinces, while neighboring states and nationalist groups sought to reshape the political landscape.