Gezicht op gebouwen, de vuurtoren en de ingang van het Suezkanaal bij Port Said c. 1870 - 1890

This photograph by C. & G. Zangaki captures a view of buildings, the lighthouse, and the entrance to the Suez Canal at Port Said. Dominating the scene is the lighthouse. Since ancient times, lighthouses have served as beacons of civilization, guiding ships through treacherous waters. Consider the Pharos of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders, which symbolizes human ingenuity and the will to overcome the chaos of the seas. Like the Pharos, this lighthouse represents more than just a navigational aid; it embodies safety and progress, and the connection between nations through trade and exploration. Yet, these symbols are not static. They evolve with the tides of history. The lighthouse, a symbol of hope, can also remind us of colonial endeavors, where the promise of progress often masked exploitation. Just as the sea is both a route to new worlds and a barrier against the unknown, these symbols constantly shift, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of human ambition and its enduring impact on our shared cultural memory.