Bodrum's 1842 Dated Photograph Became a Topic
The oldest photograph of Bodrum, said to have been taken in 1842, was shared on social media. The historic shot shed light on the district's past.
The oldest photograph of Bodrum, indicated to be from the year 1842, has become a topic again on social media. The historic shot, said to have been taken by French photographer and painter Joseph-Philibert Girault de Prangey, attracted attention as it reveals the view of Bodrum Castle and its surroundings approximately 184 years ago.
A Black and White Window into Bodrum's History
The 1842 photograph, said to belong to Bodrum, one of Muğla's world-famous tourism centers, received great interest on social media. Shared by retired history teacher Yılmaz Bozkurt, known for his research on Muğla's history, the photo draws attention with the magnificent silhouette of Bodrum Castle by the seaside and the coastal texture of the era.
The photograph was said to have been taken by French photographer and painter Joseph-Philibert Girault de Prangey. The post stated that the photo is the oldest known photograph of Bodrum and also among Turkey's oldest photographs.
Bodrum Castle Was Also Central in 1842
The historic photograph shows that Bodrum Castle was one of the most prominent structures in the district, just like today. The castle rising by the seaside dominates Bodrum's silhouette of the period, while the buildings and natural environment along the coastline offer important clues about the district's 19th-century appearance. The castle, one of Bodrum's symbols today, stands out as the main focal point of the city in the photo. In this regard, the photo establishes a strong connection between Bodrum's past and present beyond just being a photograph.
It Aroused Historical Curiosity on Social Media
Following Yılmaz Bozkurt's social media post, the historic photo was closely examined by users interested in Bodrum's past. Especially the difference between the district's current dense construction and the simple coastline view of 1842 increased the sharing's interest. The photo brought to the fore once again how Bodrum not only has a strong historical memory but also a powerful past beyond its tourism identity.
This photograph, said to be from 1842, is of great importance for the visual memory of the district. The historic shot shows that Bodrum Castle has maintained its central position in the city for centuries while revealing the district's former coastal structures and natural appearance.
Reporter: News Center
