Bazaar in Tunesië, mogelijk in de Medina van Tunis 1860 - 1900

This photograph captures a scene in a Tunisian bazaar, possibly within the Medina of Tunis, taken by J. André Garrigues. The photograph presents a slice of life in what was then French-occupied Tunisia. This image isn’t just a neutral snapshot; it's a mediated view through the lens of a European photographer, who inevitably brings his own cultural framework. What does it mean to represent another culture, particularly when that culture is under colonial rule? The arrangement of goods, the portrayal of the merchants, and the presence of European onlookers subtly underscore the power dynamics at play. The people within the frame are not merely captured; they are framed within a narrative constructed by the photographer, reflecting contemporary European perceptions of North Africa. It prompts us to consider how photography, even in its seemingly objective form, can be a tool in shaping cultural narratives.