Gezicht op militaire tentenkampen nabij Peshawar voorafgaand aan de slag om Ali Masjid tijdens de Tweede Brits-Afghaanse Oorlog Possibly 1878

John Burke created this albumen silver print titled "Gezicht op militaire tentenkampen nabij Peshawar voorafgaand aan de slag om Ali Masjid tijdens de Tweede Brits-Afghaanse Oorlog." Consider the role of photography during the British colonial era. It was often used as a tool to document and legitimize imperial power. Burke, as a photographer working in British India, was implicated in this project. Here, the sprawling military encampments, set against the rugged landscape, speak to both the logistical challenges and the sheer scale of British military operations in the region. Who is missing from this photograph? The Afghan people, their perspectives, and their experiences of war are noticeably absent. The framing of the image reduces the complex history of this region to a single, colonial viewpoint. Burke's photograph prompts us to think critically about the power dynamics inherent in image-making and the importance of seeking out multiple perspectives when engaging with historical narratives. The image encourages reflection on the impact of colonial actions and the human cost of conflict.