1570 – Bulgaria and Western Turkey, published in Cologne

The map spans from the north to the Danube and from the east to Istanbul, with its centre focused on Philipolis (Plovdiv). Sophia is referred to be a little town. Adrianapolis, also known as Edirne, is another prominent town included on the map.

Varna is located in the upper right corner of the map, with a tiny island nearby called “Pargula noua.” The island features a little castle-like structure, indicating that it has a solid foundation and is not merely a sandbar. Evidently, the map may depict this landmass as an island, but in reality it is the Cape of Galata.

Johann Bussemacher, one of the main mapmakers from the Cologne School, created the current map. The Cologne School of cartography emerged as a notable contender to the map printing firms in the Low Countries, such as De Jode and Ortelius, during the late 16th century. To obtain further information about the Cologne School, please refer to the publication titled “Meurer, Atlantes Colonienses.” The Cologne School of Atlas Cartography from 1570 to 1610.