Minarets and grand entrance of the Metwaleys at Cairo. 1846 - 1849

David Roberts created this print, titled "Minarets and grand entrance of the Metwaleys at Cairo," during a time when Europe was captivated by the "Orient." Roberts, as a Western artist, approached the depiction of Egypt with the aesthetic and cultural biases of his era. The print captures a bustling street scene in Cairo, framed by towering minarets. Notice how Roberts positions the local population to animate the scene, their presence essential to the exotic atmosphere he conveys to his European audience. The term "Metwaleys" refers to a specific community within Cairo, and Roberts's focus suggests an interest in capturing the unique cultural identities within the city. However, it's important to consider how his representation might flatten the complexities of these communities, reducing them to picturesque elements within his composition. The image invites us to contemplate the dynamics of cultural exchange and representation, prompting us to question whose stories are told and how they are framed.