INTRODUCTION.
Respecting the difficulties we have had in this work, the fixing of the boundaries, and drawing the maps of places:
Be it known, that to those engaged in the affairs of state, no science is so necessary as that of geography. If they are not acquainted with the whole surface of the earth, they ought at least to know the figure of the Turkish empire and the neighbouring states; that, when it may be necessary to undertake a journey, or to send an army into any country, they may be properly directed; and by this knowledge it will be easy to enter the enemy’s territory, and defend their own frontiers. Persons ignorant of this science are not competent to be counsellors, even should they be natives; for there are many natives who are ignorant even of the figure of their own country and its boundaries.
Of the necessity of this science the following will be a sufficient proof; that the Infidels by application to it have discovered America, and become masters of India: and even the despicable Venetians, a nation the chief of which among the Christian kings is confined to the title of Duke, and is known by the epithet of the Fisherman, coming to the frontiers of the Ottoman empire, have opposed their power to that of our august Monarch, who rules from east to west.
In order therefore to illustrate this history of voyages, we shall in the first place give a map of the whole figure of the globe; then of the Mediterranean and Black Seas; and then of the countries of Venice and Germany. Thus, at first sight, a person may obtain a summary knowledge of the figure of the globe and the Turkish dominions; and being able to tell where the city of Venice, the castle of Zadra (Zara), or the island of Corfu, is situated, he will find it useful in commencing the perusal of travels and voyages. All the land and water of the globe are, according to the map, contained in two circles. The first circle represents half of the globe, and the ancient four quarters; and the other circle is the other half, or more recently-discovered part which they call the new world.