Document Type : pajoheshi
Author
Ph.D. Graduated, Department of History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
10.30473/lhst.2026.77794.3050
Abstract
A B S T R A C T
The map “Persiae Regnvm sive Sophorvm Imperivm” by the Italian cartographer Antonio Magini, published in 1596 CE / 1004 AH, represents one of the earliest European attempts to depict the geographical landscape of Safavid-era Iran and exemplifies European efforts to acquire geographical knowledge of the region. The density of dozens of toponyms, including settlements and natural features, renders this map a significant source for studying the place-names of Iran’s geographical landscape. Among the numerous recorded toponyms, the focus of this article is a single name in southern Khorasan, labeled Coibocharan. The research question is: what is the equivalent of this toponym on Magini’s map, and why did he represent it as a mountainous natural feature within Khorasan during the Safavid period? Findings indicate that the toponymy of Coibocharan reflects a transitional pattern from ancient and classical conceptions toward the emerging knowledge of the Islamic era in Magini’s mental geography. Magini’s reference corresponds to Mount Baqeran, which was recorded as a toponym commemorating the memory of individuals believed, according to social beliefs, to be descendants of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir. However, in its placement, Magini intended to depict an extensive ancient mountain range known as Bagus, located between Khorasan and Sistan, of which the present Mount Baqeran constitutes only a part rather than the whole. This transitional pattern highlights the tension between geographical realities and the cartographer’s mental geography.
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