Every map tells a story

Old maps tell a story about the people who made them. In 1816, a British map identified the UAE coast as "dangerous and chiefly inhabited by pirates". But as Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qassemi, the Ruler of Sharjah, maintains in his 1986 book The Myth of Arab Piracy, the need to suppress piracy was the excuse for British imperial expansion in the Gulf and any loss of a ship was attributed to bad guys. Hence the British destruction of the Qawasim fleet in Ras Al Khaimah in 1819.

As reported today, Dr Sheikh Sultan has collected maps for 30 years and has now put hundreds on public display in Sharjah.

One is the first map ever printed in Arabic script by Haj Ahmad from Tunis, dated 1559. A Dutch map from 1666 clearly marks the locations of Kalba, Khorfakaan and Dibba. Dutch maps of the period showed the Tunbs islands in their current positions in the Gulf.

Geographic knowledge is power and the Portuguese managed to keep their maps of the Gulf secret for four decades after they seized the Straights of Hormuz in 1507. But, thanks to the generosity of Dr Sheikh Sultan, all is on display now.

So take advantage of this historic collection and begin your journey back into time.