Interieur van de Rotskoepelmoskee op de Tempelberg in Jeruzalem met op de voorgrond de rots c. 1867 - 1895

This photograph shows the interior of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, and was taken by Maison Bonfils. By the late 19th century, photography studios such as Maison Bonfils played a crucial role in shaping Western perceptions of the Middle East, often exoticizing and orientalizing its cultural and religious sites. The image captures the grandeur of the Dome's architecture, with its high ceilings and intricate decorations. In the foreground, the sacred rock is prominently featured, a site revered by Muslims, Christians, and Jews. What is the relationship between the photographer and the site, what are their beliefs? What position are they taking when framing this shot? This photograph not only documents a significant religious landmark but also raises questions about representation, cultural exchange, and the gaze of the Western world on the East. It invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between faith, history, and identity, while prompting a deeper understanding of the ways in which images can both reveal and conceal the multifaceted stories of people and places.