The Tübingen atlas of the Middle East

Summary

This paper introduces the Tübingen Atlas of the Middle East, a multidisciplinary research project initiated by the University of Tübingen, Germany. Launched in 1969, the project aimed to fill the gap of a comprehensive regional atlas for the Middle East. Covering the area from Egypt to Afghanistan and from Turkey to Southern Arabia, the atlas comprises two main parts—geography and history—with a total of 285 maps. Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the project brought together 15 academic divisions, employing standardized cartographic conventions and bilingual legends in German and English. By mid-1986, 120 of the 285 maps had been published since the first release in 1977. In parallel, approximately 90 monographs (Beihefte) have been issued to support the scientific evaluation of the maps. The project has not only stimulated Oriental research at Tübingen but also significantly enhanced the understanding of the structures and processes shaping this ancient cultural region.