Topologist's Map of the World

It is remarkable how much it resembles the medieval T&O maps, including putting Jerusalem and the Mediterranean at the center of the world. (Which is what Mediterranean means.) And the East at the top (where we get "orient" from).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T_and_O_map

I am sure they knew that and the allusion is deliberate.

Notably Oman, and Iran border seperate bodies of water.

That would make things a lot simpler.

[Edit, I stand corrected, there's a little bit that goes up to Iran and nips off a corner)]

If you like this, you may like "Guess the countries just from what borders what" https://wilf.live/worldgraph/ (HN submission by the author wolfred: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44604511 sadly without too much traction 3 points | July 2025 | 2 comments)

[spoiler alert] Try finding Canada

Since the creation of that map Canada and Denmark have gained a border (Hans Island). That barely registers on any traditional map but would dramatically rearrange this.

EDIT: Or maybe it wouldn’t? I don’t see Russia’s border with Lithuania and Poland reflected (due to Kaliningrad) so maybe only the “main” part of a country is considered?

The Netherlands and France share a border on the island of Saint Martin

This is super cool. I'd love to see it in a vintage style like that of old T-O maps!

I really like this and may have to try to make a poster.