Barbouchi Frères voor hun winkel in de Souk el-Trouk in de Medina van Tunis 1860 - 1900

This photograph by J. André Garrigues captures the Barbouchi Frères in their shop in the Souk el-Trouk in the Medina of Tunis. The image offers a glimpse into a world shaped by trade, tradition, and French colonialism. Positioned in the heart of the Medina, this shop is more than a commercial space; it’s a cultural intersection. The Barbouchi brothers, likely Berber merchants, present a curated display of artisanal goods, appealing to locals and European visitors alike. The photograph can be considered within the context of Orientalism, where the West exoticizes the East. Garrigues, as a photographer, plays a role in shaping perceptions of Tunisian culture, framing the Barbouchi's through his lens. Yet, there is also the pride and identity of the Barbouchi's, who seem to use the same stage to sell their cultural heritage. Ultimately, the photograph invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between identity, representation, and cultural exchange.