Overdekte gang in de Turkse bazaar van Tunis c. 1880 - 1900

This photograph captures a covered alleyway in the Turkish bazaar of Tunis. The artist, AM, composed this image by employing photography, a relatively new technology at the time. Look closely, and you’ll notice that the photograph highlights the architecture of the bazaar, particularly the structure of the roof. The pitched roof, made from wood and covered with what looks like woven panels, gives the space its form and character. You can imagine the labour involved in felling, sawing, and assembling the timber, and in weaving the roof coverings. The photograph’s texture adds another layer of meaning. The rough stone of the walls and the cobblestones on the ground contrast with the smooth, finished surfaces of the goods on display. Together, these elements remind us of the exchange and trade that occur here daily, and of the lives of those who work in this space. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we can appreciate how the photograph captures the social and cultural significance of this bustling commercial area.