Interieur van de Al-Aqsamoskee met de preekstoel van Omar I, Jeruzalem 1900 - 1905

This stereograph, made by an anonymous photographer, presents the interior of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, focusing on the Pulpit of Omar I. Stereographs like this one were popular for bringing distant places to Western audiences, but they also framed how those places were seen and understood. The Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of Islam's holiest sites, with deep historical and religious significance for Muslims worldwide. The detailed woodwork and architectural elements reflect a rich cultural heritage. The stereograph makes me consider the power dynamics inherent in how such images were produced and consumed. Who had access to these images, and what narratives did they reinforce about the East? What would it feel like to be a Westerner viewing this image? This image highlights questions of representation, cultural exchange, and the gaze. It invites us to consider how photography can both reveal and obscure, shaping our perceptions of different cultures and spaces.