Tempel van Karnak, Thebe (Luxor) c. 1870 - 1890

This photograph of the Temple of Karnak in Luxor was created by C. & G. Zangaki, though the exact date remains unknown. The Zangaki brothers were Greek photographers active in Egypt during a period of intense colonial interest in the region. The image presents a seemingly objective view of the ancient temple, yet it also subtly reinforces a colonial perspective. The inclusion of a local man, dwarfed by the massive columns, emphasizes the grandeur of the ancient Egyptian civilization while implicitly contrasting it with the perceived insignificance of the contemporary population. This contrast served to legitimize European intervention and control. Consider the emotional impact of this image. While it evokes a sense of awe at the scale and history of Karnak, it also invites reflection on the power dynamics inherent in its representation. This photograph shapes a narrative that intertwines admiration for the past with the justification of present-day inequalities.