The Enigmatic Piri Reis Map: How Was It Created?

The famous map drawn by renowned Turkish navigator Piri Reis continues to astonish the world. Created in 1513, this world map depicts details that can only be observed with modern space technology, leaving scientists curious about the techniques used during that era. Only a small portion covering South America and West Africa has survived to the present day.

Piri Reis initiated the map under the order of Sultan Beyazıd II, and after his passing, it was presented to Sultan Selim I during the Egyptian campaign of 1516-1517. The fate of the map beyond this point remains uncertain. What is known is that the map was discovered by chance in the harem quarters of the Topkapi Palace by the Director of National Museums, Halil Ethem Bey, in 1929.

The map was drawn on deer skin and measures 90/65 cm. It features nine ships and boats, along with depictions of various animals and individuals. Notably, it includes seven parrots, the King of Portugal, Merrakuş, and the Emperor of China. Additionally, there's a camel, an elephant, three monkeys, a snake, a llama, a few oxen, and a large fish. The map employs nine different colors, and while some inscriptions are challenging to decipher, important notes are recorded. Among these, significant mention is made of Columbus's discovery of America.

The secret behind the Piri Reis map lies in its precise representation of the Strait of Gibraltar. This accuracy, only discernible through space observations, is a testament to its extraordinary nature. Another intriguing detail is the depiction of the mountains in Antarctica. Remarkably, these details were not officially discovered until 1820 by American and Russian marine researchers. How Piri Reis managed to chart them in 1513 remains an unsolved mystery.

The inclusion of South American creatures like pumas and llamas sparks further intrigue. It's speculated that Piri Reis relied on descriptions from the sailor who provided him with Columbus's map. The monstrous figure, depicted as headless and in the shape of a man, is another enigmatic aspect. Piri Reis noted that it was seven cubits tall.

In contemporary flat maps, there's no apparent connection between Argentina and Antarctica. However, Russian marine researchers have discovered that underwater ridges link the two. Piri Reis, back in 1513, managed to illustrate this accurately. How he achieved this feat without any advanced technology remains a baffling question.

According to the space research of the American Air Force, the Earth's center is located near Egypt, in the vicinity of Cairo. Astonishingly, Piri Reis's completed map reflects this. He foresaw this truth 500 years ago, long before modern space studies confirmed it.

The Piri Reis map has become fodder for popular history and conspiracy theorists, especially after the book "Chariots of the Gods." In this book, the author contends that extraterrestrial beings aided in creating the map, using satellite imagery.

Claims that Piri Reis personally explored and drew the map based on prior charts do not align with historical records. The maps of that era were notably inaccurate and insufficient. Even if Piri Reis had durable ships, such a journey would have taken approximately 300 years given the conditions of the time. Therefore, this theory lacks credibility and finds no support in historical accounts.

In conclusion, the numerous claims surrounding the Piri Reis map persist, and the true mystery of its creation remains unsolved. It stands as a testament to remarkable skill and knowledge. Today, it is featured on the reverse side of the 10 Turkish lira banknote.