Kanonnen op een fort in Alexandrië, met zicht op een binnenhaven before 1885

This photograph shows cannons on a fort in Alexandria, with a view of the inner harbor. Though we don't know who made this image or precisely when, we can use the technology it depicts to get some insight into its cultural context. This image is most likely from the 19th century. During this time, Alexandria, Egypt was a site of significant geopolitical importance, particularly to European colonial powers. The presence of cannons and fortifications speaks to the strategic importance of Alexandria as a port city, a site of trade and military power. The inner harbor, visible in the background, would have been a bustling hub of maritime activity, connecting Egypt to global trade networks. Understanding the history of Alexandria, its colonial past, and its role in global trade, is essential to understanding the image. Historical documents, maps, and accounts from the period can shed light on the social, political, and economic forces that shaped this depiction of Alexandria. Ultimately, this image asks us to consider the intersection of military power, trade, and colonial ambition in 19th-century Egypt.