A journey through the collections
Cypress-lined paths, crowded bridges and still water in colour views from around 1900.
Begin on the shore, then follow the water towards the bridge and into the streets. These views move between grand architecture and everyday encounters: a fountain, a barber, a cook at work. The archive titles use Constantinople; the atlas uses Istanbul.
Photograph
Detroit Publishing Co., under license from Photoglob Zürich
between 1890 and 1900
Place depicted: Istanbul, Turkey
Dark cypresses frame the open water. Follow the shoreline into the rose-coloured hills beyond.
Photograph
between 1890 and 1900
Place depicted: Istanbul, Turkey
The bridge pulls the eye into a dense stream of people, while boats gather along its edge.
Photograph
between 1890 and 1900
Place depicted: Istanbul, Turkey
A street opens around the fountain: a small pause beneath the spreading tree.
Photograph
between 1890 and 1905
Place depicted: Istanbul, Turkey
The fountain’s roof occupies the foreground; the mosque’s domes rise behind it.
Photograph
between 1890 and 1900
Place depicted: Istanbul, Turkey
Look at the different gestures along the row of chairs, and the small tools of the barbers’ work.
Photograph
Detroit Publishing Co., under license from Photoglob Zürich
between 1890 and 1900
Place depicted: Istanbul, Turkey
The path divides tall cypresses and pale gravestones, with figures giving the scene its scale.
Photograph
between 1890 and 1900
Place depicted: Istanbul, Turkey
Stacks of bread and metal vessels fill this close view of a cook’s stall.
Photograph
between 1890 and 1900
Place depicted: Istanbul, Turkey
A quiet ending by the sea: the warm horizon is reflected in the shallows beneath the lighthouse.