In this special episode, Jerry will be joined by acclaimed British-Turkish author Elif Shafak. On the podcast they discuss not one, but two pivotal early maps: a surviving fragment of a 450 year old map by Ottoman admiral and cartographer Piri Reis, and a remarkable 6th century Babylonian tablet map of the cosmos - the earliest recorded map of the World as seen from above.

Tune in to hear their discussion about curiosity of the unknown, fluid borders, multi-belongings, shared spaces, and the unrecorded silences in history. We also learn about how these two ancient maps and other geographical works of art and literature have inspired Elif’s writings.

Follow along with this episode at oculi-mundi.com/podcast/elif-shafak

From historians, scientists and writers, to creatives and cultural custodians, people have used maps as a source of knowledge, guidance, and inspiration for centuries.

Join us as map historian Jerry Brotton invites each guest to share a map close to their heart - and unfurl the ideas, inspirations, and personal stories behind it.

If you’re fascinated by history, art, adventure and culture, why not become part of a global community of fellow explorers as we ask - what’s YOUR map?

The award-winning What’s Your Map? is brought to you by Oculi Mundi (‘eyes of the world’), the online home of The Sunderland Collection of antique cartography.

For a fully immersive experience, visit Oculi-Mundi.com/podcast to explore each of the maps as you listen, and find more information and rabbit-holes about each guest.

Image detail: Piri Reis Map (1513), public domain. Elif Shafak portrait courtesy of Curtis Brown.

All views and opinions expressed by guests on the podcast are entirely their own and do not represent those of The Sunderland Collection or Whistledown Productions.