1919 (dated)
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Description
This is a striking 1919 Alexander Petrov chromolithograph Map of Sofia, Bulgaria, issued at the end of World War I (1914 - 1918). The cartography here roughly corresponds to the Amadier Plan, a bold re-envisioning of Sophia, not only as a national capital, but also as a modern European city - rejecting nearly 500 years of Ottomanization. Bold chromolithograph color defines various neighborhoods, with important buildings indexed numerically. All text is in Bulgarian and French.
National Identity This map emerged as Bulgaria, having been a Central Power and thus on the losing side of World War I, was struggling with low national moral, staggering war indemnities, and a refugee crisis that threatened Bulgarian identity. The map is a lavish production meant to invoke national and local pride. It was issued through a sophisticated multi-color chromolithograph with gilding to set off the armorial lines it the corners and the Sof