Old pictorial map of Iran, 1944

The cartographical map of Iran from 1944 is a detailed and historically significant representation of the country during a pivotal period in the 20th century. Produced in the midst of World War II, this map offers a comprehensive view of Iran's geography, infrastructure, and strategic importance at a time when the country was a key player in global geopolitics due to its oil resources and position as a supply route for the Allied forces.

This map is meticulously detailed, showcasing Iran’s complex topography with a combination of shaded relief and contour lines that highlight the rugged mountain ranges of the Zagros and Alborz. The map captures the diversity of the Iranian landscape, from the vast deserts of the Dasht-e Kavir (Great Salt Desert) and Dasht-e Lut to the lush coastal areas along the Caspian Sea. The mountains are carefully depicted with hachures to indicate elevation, while the lower plains and deserts are rendered in lighter tones, giving the map a layered and textured appearance.

Major cities such as Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Mashhad are prominently marked with bold labels, indicating their significance as political, economic, and cultural centers. The map also includes detailed road networks, railway lines, and air routes, reflecting the transportation infrastructure of the time, which was crucial for both civilian and military logistics. Key railroads like the Trans-Iranian Railway, which was completed in the 1930s, are clearly delineated, showcasing Iran’s efforts to modernize and connect its regions.

The map is rich with geopolitical details, highlighting borders with neighboring countries such as Iraq, Turkey, the Soviet Union, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (then part of British India). It also marks important ports along the Persian Gulf like Bandar Abbas and Abadan, emphasizing Iran's strategic maritime significance.

Cartographic symbols are used throughout to indicate natural resources, with special emphasis on the oil fields in southwestern Iran, particularly around Khuzestan, which were of critical importance during the war. Rivers, lakes, and other water bodies are clearly outlined, and the map includes a detailed legend to assist with interpretation.

Printed in earthy tones and rich detail, this 1944 cartographical map of Iran is not just a navigational tool but also a historical document that reflects the country’s geopolitical landscape during a time of global conflict. It serves as a window into the past, offering insights into how Iran’s geography shaped its role in the broader geopolitical dynamics of World War II.