Zuilengalerij in Luxor c. 1870 - 1890

This photograph, "Zuilengalerij in Luxor," of the column gallery in Luxor, was created by C. & G. Zangaki. The Zangaki brothers were Greek photographers active in Egypt during the late 19th century. Their work coincided with a period of intense European interest in Egypt, during which photography played a crucial role in shaping Western perceptions of the region. Consider this image within the context of colonialism, where the camera became a tool for documentation, but also for constructing narratives. The ruins of Luxor, seen through the Zangakis’ lens, evoke a sense of timeless grandeur, but it also tells a story of a civilization being observed and interpreted by outsiders. Think about the identities of those involved. The Zangaki brothers, as Greeks in Egypt, occupied a unique social position and the Egyptian people, whose land and heritage were the subjects of these photographs. This photograph captures a moment in time, but it also reflects the complex relationships between power, representation, and identity.