The Citadel of Cairo from Below Gebel El-Mukattam 1857

Captured by Francis Frith, this albumen print shows the Citadel of Cairo, a symbol of power and religious significance. Dominating the skyline are the minarets of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, architectural echoes of Ottoman influence. The minaret, ubiquitous across Islamic lands, rises as a call to prayer, connecting the earthly realm to the divine. This echoes the Tower of Babel—a striving to reach the heavens. In Frith’s image, the Citadel looms, but it is seen from a lower vantage point. This subtle choice evokes contemplation of power and its relation to the landscape. This photograph captures a moment in time, while also engaging with the cyclical nature of human ambition and spiritual aspiration.