Portret van een onbekende Turkse vrouw 1887 - 1900

This striking photograph of an unknown Turkish woman was created by G. Lekegian & Co., a photography studio operating in Istanbul. The image offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the late 19th century Ottoman Empire. The woman's elaborate dress, adorned with intricate embroidery, reflects the opulence and status associated with the Ottoman elite. However, it is important to note that photography studios like Lekegian often catered to Western tourists eager for Orientalist images. This raises questions about authenticity and the potential staging of such portraits. Was this woman a member of the Turkish upper class, or was she playing a role for the camera, reinforcing Western fantasies about the East? Uncovering the answer requires delving into the archives, examining travelogues, and studying the visual language of the period. By understanding the social and institutional context, we can better understand the complex relationship between representation and reality in this captivating portrait.