Beautifully coloured town plan of Constantinople, from the landmark Braun & Hogenberg atlas of cities throughout the world entitled “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” first published in 1572. The plan, initially appearing in 1572, shows a detailed view of 16th century Constantinople (modern day Istanbul) with its important locations, including the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, noted therein. This is the uncommon first state of the map, which displays portraits of eleven sultans along the bottom and has the right-most cameo empty. In its second state, the right-most cameo is filled in with a portrait of Murad III. A description of Constantinople appears verso in Latin. Other than a repaired tear to the bottom margin well away from the image, the plan is an early, strong impression in excellent condition. 33 cm x 48.5 cm