Marktscène in Betlehem, Jeruzalem, Palestina c. 1850 - 1900

This photograph of a market scene in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Palestine was produced by Maison Bonfils. Though undated, this image offers insights into the social and economic life of the region, likely during the late 19th century. The photograph captures a bustling marketplace, filled with people, camels, and various goods. It’s a glimpse into the daily routines and commercial activities of a community. We can consider how the geography of Palestine, with its mix of urban centers and agricultural landscapes, influenced the types of goods traded. This image may well have been produced for westerners eager to witness the ‘holy land’ or people who longed to see the ‘orient’. To fully understand this photograph, we would want to delve into the history of trade in Palestine, the role of markets in social life, and the ways in which images of the region were circulated and consumed.