With Beijing's claims to the South China Sea never far from the headlines thanks to the assertiveness of modern China, a recently restored map offers some welcome historical perspective on the oceans in East and South East Asia.
Unearthed nearly four years ago in a fragile and discoloured state, the Selden Map of China was bequeathed to England's University of Oxford in 1659 after the death of John Selden, a London lawyer and linguist.
It shows sea routes fanning out from Quanzhou in Fujian province in south-east China, a city that attracted a mention in Marco Polo's account of his travels, and which still contains reminders of its Muslim-influenced past. Indeed, while it remains unclear exactly who produced the map, one possibility is that a member of Quanzhou's sinicised community of Islamic merchants was responsible. Such is the interest in the map's origins now, that Timothy Brook, a professor at the University of British Columbia and author of several books about Chinese history, is currently writing a volume titled Who Drew the Selden Map?.
"Rather than showing China from within, it sees China from without. In particular, it sees it from the water, which is not the perspective that Chinese themselves have taken when looking at their country," says Brook.
China is depicted in terms of its relationship with its neighbours, and the map even stretches to include parts of India.
"What this map shows is an interest in the fact that Chinese (and especially Fujianese) people lived in most of the major ports in South East Asia by the early 17th century, from those of Siam, the Malay Peninsula and western Java to Manila and Nagasaki," says Robert Batchelor, an associate professor of history at Georgia Southern University.
The document also indicates an interest in the Arabian Peninsula among the Fujianese merchants. One corner has written directions for travelling from Calicut in India to Aden in Yemen, Salalah in Oman and the former kingdom of Ormuz in the Arabian Gulf. This ties in with the possibility that the map may have been produced by a group of Quanzhou-based Islamic merchants. "It also suggests that the ties between Arabia and South China were [neither] superficial, [nor did they] disappear with the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century," according to Batchelor. "That is why this is a map that should be of interest in particular in Iran, the UAE, Oman and Yemen. It speaks of a continuity of global history."
Selden himself wrote a book titled Mare Clausum (Closed Seas) that argued against the Dutch view at the time that favoured freedom of the seas and, says Batchelor, the lawyer read the map as indicating a kind of dominion over the areas where trade was taking place.
However, the merchants of the early 17th century are unlikely to have seen it as a way of staking claims to, for example, mineral or fishing rights. Instead, Batchelor takes the view it shows their interest in and involvement in the seas depicted.
"Rather than a closed China or a globally overpowering China, the Selden Map gives us a window onto the complex and dynamic set of relations that defined East Asian trade in the 17th century," he says.
Brook says there is nothing to show Ming China tried to claim territory beyond its borders. The map is one of trade, not empire: "Anyone who tries to use this map to enlarge Chinese claims for a greater empire is engaging in political mischief," he says.
Yet, while the map may not have great political significance, even in historical terms, it is of interest to academics, not least because it offers information available from relatively few other sources. Batchelor contrasts this situation with that of the English East India Company and its Dutch equivalent. Their links to their respective governments meant the activities of these organisations were well documented and the evidence preserved for later generations.
"By comparison, we know very little about 17th-century Chinese merchants because they were not sponsored by the state. Their private archives and libraries have largely been destroyed over the centuries," he says.
It is perhaps especially important that sources such as the Selden Map are understood, given that analysis of certain documents has often resulted in outlandish claims about Chinese explorers. In particular, the author Gavin Menzies suggested in his book 1421: The Year China Discovered the World that the 15th-century Chinese admiral Zheng He discovered the Americas before Christopher Columbus. The claim is based upon an 18th-century map said to be a copy of one from the 15th century. Menzies' views are generally dismissed by academics and Batchelor describes such "dubious" maps as "efforts from later centuries to make up for the lack of a Selden Map".
Clumsy preservation efforts meant that, until recently, the map was in a poor state of repair. It was discoloured, the paint on it was cracking and a linen backing from a century ago had turned stiff, cracked, and been patched up. Restoration took about a year, says Robert Minte, a conservator at Oxford's Bodleian Library, who carried out much of the work. Experts at the British Library and the British Museum also took part.
"It was in an extremely fragile condition," says Minte. "It had been [lined] with very heavy cotton and rolled up very tightly, so every time the map was unrolled there were fragments coming off. It was very difficult to handle."
The task was to remove the heavy cotton lining and the various patches while trying not to damage the "extremely thin" Chinese paper on which the map was painted. This work, much of it done with the map face down on a Perspex table, was complicated by the fact that many of the patches were stuck on with a strong glue and the paper to which they were attached was fragile. A bamboo spatula was used to tease away the patches. New pieces of Chinese paper were added to fill in gaps in the original map, and three linings of Japanese paper were attached to strengthen the map, although Minte describes it as "still quite vulnerable".
"It can [however] survive far more safely and be displayed much more safely," he says.
The painstaking restoration achieved more than helping to preserve the map. It also uncovered many features that would otherwise have been hidden.
"Because we spent so many weeks and months looking at the map, we could describe areas of detail through the work we were doing. Some of the most interesting were the details on the back underneath the cotton lining," Minte says.
For example, some trading routes are mapped out on the back of the map, in particular the main trade route from Japan to Vietnam, suggesting that whoever produced the map started on one side and then may have decided, for whatever reason, to turn the paper over and have another go.
"We're not quite sure whether that's a preliminary drawing or something they started, then made a mistake and changed something," Minte says.
Batchelor thinks the drafts also indicate a fundamental difference in the technique of mapmaking, with the routes drawn first, in contrast to western maps based on a grid system.
"This suggests different approaches to mapping, navigation and mathematics, which have interesting similarities to our current notions of 'networks'," he says.
"Indeed, the map itself shows a system rather than just routes, and this is very early for anyone to be thinking about trade systematically."
Daniel Bardsley is The National's China correspondent.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
We Weren’t Supposed to Survive But We Did
We weren’t supposed to survive but we did.
We weren’t supposed to remember but we did.
We weren’t supposed to write but we did.
We weren’t supposed to fight but we did.
We weren’t supposed to organise but we did.
We weren’t supposed to rap but we did.
We weren’t supposed to find allies but we did.
We weren’t supposed to grow communities but we did.
We weren’t supposed to return but WE ARE.
Amira Sakalla
The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
MATCH INFO
Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium, Malayisa
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD
* Second leg in Australia on October 10
The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now
more from Janine di Giovanni
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
Gran Gala del Calcio 2019 winners
Best Player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)
Best Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta)
Best Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Best Goal: Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria vs Napoli)
Best Team: Atalanta
Best XI: Samir Handanovic (Inter); Aleksandar Kolarov (Roma), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Joao Cancelo (Juventus*); Miralem Pjanic (Juventus), Josip Ilicic (Atalanta), Nicolo Barella (Cagliari*); Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria), Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Duvan Zapata (Atalanta)
Serie B Best Young Player: Sandro Tonali (Brescia)
Best Women’s Goal: Thaisa (Milan vs Juventus)
Best Women’s Player: Manuela Giugliano (Milan)
Best Women’s XI: Laura Giuliani (Milan); Alia Guagni (Fiorentina), Sara Gama (Juventus), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Elisa Bartoli (Roma); Aurora Galli (Juventus), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Valentina Cernoia (Juventus); Valentina Giacinti (Milan), Ilaria Mauro (Fiorentina), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus)
TICKETS
For tickets for the two-day Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) event, entitled Dubai Invasion 2019, on September 27 and 28 go to www.meraticket.com.
'Manmarziyaan' (Colour Yellow Productions, Phantom Films)
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal
Rating: 3.5/5
China and the UAE agree comprehensive strategic partnership
China and the UAE forged even closer links between the two countries during the landmark state visit after finalising a ten-point agreement on a range of issues, from international affairs to the economy and trade and renewable energy.
1. Politics: The two countries agreed to support each other on issues of security and to work together on regional and international challenges. The nations also confirmed that the number of high-level state visits between China and the UAE will increase.
2. Economy: The UAE offers its full support to China's Belt and Road Initiative, which will combine a land 'economic belt" and a "maritime silk road" that will link China with the Arabian Gulf as well as Southeast, South and Central China, North Africa and, eventually, Europe.
3. Business and innovation: The two nations are committed to exploring new partnerships in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, energy, the aviation and transport industries and have vowed to build economic co-operation through the UAE-China Business Committee.
4. Education, science and technology: The Partnership Programme between Arab countries in Science and Technology will encourage young Emirati scientists to conduct research in China, while the nations will work together on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, renewable energy and space projects.
5. Renewable energy and water: The two countries will partner to develop renewable energy schemes and work to reduce climate change. The nations have also reiterated their support for the Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency.
6. Oil and gas: The UAE and China will work in partnership in the crude oil trade and the exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources.
7. Military and law enforcement and security fields: Joint training will take place between the Chinese and UAE armed forces, while the two nations will step up efforts to combat terrorism and organised crime.
8. Culture and humanitarian issues: Joint cultural projects will be developed and partnerships will be cultivated on the preservation of heritage, contemporary art and tourism.
9. Movement between countries: China and the UAE made clear their intent to encourage travel between the countries through a wide-ranging visa waiver agreement.
10. Implementing the strategic partnership: The Intergovernmental Co-operation Committee, established last year, will be used to ensure the objectives of the partnership are implemented.
Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
Indoor Cricket World Cup Dubai 2017
Venue Insportz, Dubai; Admission Free
Fixtures - Open Men 2pm: India v New Zealand, Malaysia v UAE, Singapore v South Africa, Sri Lanka v England; 8pm: Australia v Singapore, India v Sri Lanka, England v Malaysia, New Zealand v South Africa
Fixtures - Open Women Noon: New Zealand v England, UAE v Australia; 6pm: England v South Africa, New Zealand v Australia
Read more about the coronavirus
The biog
Favourite hobby: taking his rescue dog, Sally, for long walks.
Favourite book: anything by Stephen King, although he said the films rarely match the quality of the books
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption stands out as his favourite movie, a classic King novella
Favourite music: “I have a wide and varied music taste, so it would be unfair to pick a single song from blues to rock as a favourite"
if you go
The flights
Emirates offer flights to Buenos Aires from Dubai, via Rio De Janeiro from around Dh6,300. emirates.com
Seeing the games
Tangol sell experiences across South America and generally have good access to tickets for most of the big teams in Buenos Aires: Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Independiente. Prices from Dh550 and include pick up and drop off from your hotel in the city. tangol.com
Staying there
Tangol will pick up tourists from any hotel in Buenos Aires, but after the intensity of the game, the Faena makes for tranquil, upmarket accommodation. Doubles from Dh1,110. faena.com
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More coverage from the Future Forum
MATCH INFO
Mainz 0
RB Leipzig 5 (Werner 11', 48', 75', Poulsen 23', Sabitzer 36')
Man of the Match: Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Fly Etihad or Emirates from the UAE to Moscow from 2,763 return per person return including taxes.
Where to stay
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.
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RESULTS
4pm: Al Bastakiya Listed US$250,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Yulong Warrior, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer)
4.35pm: Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 $200,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Jordan Sport, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Conditions $200,000 (Turf) 1,200m
Winner: Jungle Cat, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 $200,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Kimbear, Patrick Dobbs, Doug Watson
6.20pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 $300,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner: Blair House, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 $400,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: North America, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
7.30pm: Dubai City of Gold Group 2 $250,000 (T) 2,410m
Winner: Hawkbill, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
RESULT
Valencia 3
Kevin Gameiro 21', 51'
Ferran Torres 67'
Atlanta 4
Josip Llicic 3' (P), 43' (P), 71', 82'
Previous men's records
- 2:01:39: Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) on 16/9/19 in Berlin
- 2:02:57: Dennis Kimetto (KEN) on 28/09/2014 in Berlin
- 2:03:23: Wilson Kipsang (KEN) on 29/09/2013 in Berlin
- 2:03:38: Patrick Makau (KEN) on 25/09/2011 in Berlin
- 2:03:59: Haile Gebreselassie (ETH) on 28/09/2008 in Berlin
- 2:04:26: Haile Gebreselassie (ETH) on 30/09/2007 in Berlin
- 2:04:55: Paul Tergat (KEN) on 28/09/2003 in Berlin
- 2:05:38: Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 14/04/2002 in London
- 2:05:42: Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 24/10/1999 in Chicago
- 2:06:05: Ronaldo da Costa (BRA) 20/09/1998 in Berlin
Did you know?
Brunch has been around, is some form or another, for more than a century. The word was first mentioned in print in an 1895 edition of Hunter’s Weekly, after making the rounds among university students in Britain. The article, entitled Brunch: A Plea, argued the case for a later, more sociable weekend meal. “By eliminating the need to get up early on Sunday, brunch would make life brighter for Saturday night carousers. It would promote human happiness in other ways as well,” the piece read. “It is talk-compelling. It puts you in a good temper, it makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings, it sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week.” More than 100 years later, author Guy Beringer’s words still ring true, especially in the UAE, where brunches are often used to mark special, sociable occasions.
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Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Company Profile
Founder: Omar Onsi
Launched: 2018
Employees: 35
Financing stage: Seed round ($12 million)
Investors: B&Y, Phoenician Funds, M1 Group, Shorooq Partners
SOUTH%20KOREA%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3EGoalkeepers%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKim%20Seung-gyu%2C%20Jo%20Hyeon-woo%2C%20Song%20Bum-keun%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDefenders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKim%20Young-gwon%2C%20Kim%20Min-jae%2C%20Jung%20Seung-hyun%2C%20Kim%20Ju-sung%2C%20Kim%20Ji-soo%2C%20Seol%20Young-woo%2C%20Kim%20Tae-hwan%2C%20Lee%20Ki-je%2C%20Kim%20Jin-su%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMidfielders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPark%20Yong-woo%2C%20Hwang%20In-beom%2C%20Hong%20Hyun-seok%2C%20Lee%20Soon-min%2C%20Lee%20Jae-sung%2C%20Lee%20Kang-in%2C%20Son%20Heung-min%20(captain)%2C%20Jeong%20Woo-yeong%2C%20Moon%20Seon-min%2C%20Park%20Jin-seob%2C%20Yang%20Hyun-jun%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStrikers%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHwang%20Hee-chan%2C%20Cho%20Gue-sung%2C%20Oh%20Hyeon-gyu%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO
Real Madrid 3 (Kroos 4', Ramos 30', Marcelo 37')
Eibar 1 (Bigas 60')
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
UJDA CHAMAN
Produced: Panorama Studios International
Directed: Abhishek Pathak
Cast: Sunny Singh, Maanvi Gagroo, Grusha Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla
Rating: 3.5 /5 stars
