A street. Constantinople. 1910

Martiros Sarian captures the essence of Constantinople in this vibrant painting, dominated by the bustling street and figures adorned in traditional fez hats. The fez, a symbol of modernity and Ottoman identity, gained prominence in the 19th century, yet its roots can be traced back to ancient head coverings, evolving through various cultural adaptations. Notice how the artist portrays the figures cloaked in robes. The covered figure appears throughout history in countless works, from classical sculptures to Renaissance portraits. They are a powerful visual marker that has undergone a fascinating metamorphosis. This motif taps into our collective memory, evoking feelings of mystery, reverence, or even repression. Such imagery engages viewers on a subconscious level, stirring deep-seated emotions connected to identity, concealment, and revelation. Like a recurring dream, these symbols resurface, transformed, each time echoing earlier forms while adapting to new cultural landscapes, inviting us to unravel the threads of history and the human psyche.