Call Number:

C0905

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 1 box
• 1.3 linear feet

Language:

German

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Istanbul Photographs Collection, Box and Folder Number; Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

circa 1880 (inclusive)

Creator:

Abdullah frères

Form:

City views -- 19th century. and Photographs -- 19th century.

Abstract:

Consists of an open collection of photographs of Istanbul [Constantinople] and surroundings, most of which are by the Istanbul photography firm of Abdullah Frères.

The Ottoman Armenian brothers Vhichen (1820–1902), Hovsep (1830–1908) and Kevork Abdullah (1839–1918) operated a famed photographic studio in Istanbul from 1858 to 1900, when they sold the firm to Sébah and Joaillier. Known by their French name Abdullah frères (Abdullah brothers), they became official royal photographers to the Ottoman Sultan in 1863, and had the right to use the royal monogram. Between 1866 and 1895, they also had a branch studio in Cairo.

The collection consists of 22 mounted albumin prints (8"x10") of Istanbul [Constantinople] and surroundings, partly with numbering and name of photograhers in the negative and with handwritten German descriptions on the mounts. Sixteen are by Abdullah Frères. Included are city views, architectural sights (mosques such as Hagia Sophia), the Golden Horn, street scenes, and small villages outside the city.