Luxor 1936

This page comes from an anonymous photograph album showing the Luxor temple complex, likely dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, when European and American tourism to Egypt became more common. These images offer a window into the cultural phenomenon of Egyptomania, where ancient Egyptian imagery and symbolism were embraced by Western cultures. The photographs, reminiscent of postcards, catered to tourists eager to capture the grandeur of pharaonic civilization. But beyond the immediate visual appeal, this album speaks to the colonial gaze. Western photographers and institutions played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of Egyptian history, often emphasizing the exotic and monumental while overlooking contemporary social realities. To understand this album fully, we might consult archival records of early tourism in Egypt, photographic surveys, and travelogues. In doing so, we can better understand how cultural institutions shape the perception and representation of history.