Jaffapoort te Jeruzalem c. 1880 - 1885

This is Félix Bonfils's photograph of the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem. Taken in the late 19th century, it captures a moment in time marked by both cultural exchange and colonial influence. Bonfils, a French photographer, operated during a period when the Middle East was increasingly becoming a subject of European fascination and political maneuvering. The image presents a seemingly objective view of the Jaffa Gate, but it's important to consider the power dynamics inherent in its creation. It highlights the intersection of commerce, religion, and imperial interests. Note the presence of "Cooks" a travel agency, a sign of increasing Western tourism and presence in the region. The photograph invites us to reflect on whose stories are being told and how they are being framed. As viewers, we must critically engage with the photograph's visual narrative and the historical context in which it was produced.