Tag: Old Maps

Studying old maps for architectural history

Valentin Mandache

The old maps are a repository of invaluable information on how a region, country or settlement has changed throughout centuries, what geopolitical influences were there, the flux of cultural norms and way of life. That is even more poignant in places like Southeast Europe, an area of convergence of many civilisations, empires and native communities influencing each other, facts wonderfully captured on the old maps of the region. These are reflected ultimately in the most visible elements of the local identity, the buildings, their architecture and styles. Thus the old maps are an essential source for the student of architectural history. In this video I use maps from my antique maps collection, specialised on the Balkans and the Black Sea areas.

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My aim, through this series of blog articles, is to inspire appreciation of the historic houses of Romania and Southeast Europe, a virtually undiscovered, but fascinating chapter of world’s architectural history and heritage.

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If you have a historic house project in Romania or other country in Southeast Europe, I would be delighted to advise you in aspects pertaining to its architectural history and ways to preserve as much as possible from its period fabric and aesthetics in the course of restoration or renovation works, or to counsel you with specialist consultancy work related to that project. To discuss your particular plan please see my contact details in the Contact page of this website.

Russian Expansion and Toponomy: Bessarabia (article in IMCoS Journal)

Valentin Mandache

In May 2012 there will be commemorated 2oo years since the Ottoman Empire ceded to Russia the eastern half of the eastern Principality of Moldavia that will became known  as Bessarabia until the end of the Second World War, thereafter succeeded by the Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldova, territory known today as the Republic of Moldova. I wrote, some time ago, an article about how that important geopolitical event for this part of Europe, that became ever since a continuous source of national conflicts and tensions, is reflected in the historic cartography of the area. The research was based on old maps from my own collection, which I published in the Journal of the International Maps Collectors’  Society (Summer 2001, Issue no. 85). That article is accessible in the scribd.com interface bellow. It highlights the perennial status of south east Europe, reflected in the case of Bessarabia, as a playground of empires, a fact that also greatly influenced the character of the local architecture.

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I endeavour through this series of periodic articles to inspire appreciation of the historic houses of Romania, a virtually undiscovered, but fascinating chapter of European architectural history and heritage.

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If you plan acquiring or selling a historic property in Romania or start a renovation project, I would be delighted to advice you in sourcing and transacting the property, specialist research, etc. To discuss your particular plan please see my contact details in the Contact page of this weblog.