Home > Historic > Colonial history
Iranian man with a gun in his belt
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Iranian man with a gun in his belt
An Iranian man with a gun tucked into his belt, Bushehr (Bushire), Iran. At the time of this photograph the city had been under British occupation for five years. Photograph by Ralph Ponsonby Watts
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4414787
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10279446
Arab Belt Bushehr Bushire Colonialism Iran Iranian Ponsonby Ralph Racial
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Asia
> Iran
> Related Images
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative black-and-white photograph, an Iranian man confidently strides through the streets of Bushehr, a coastal city in southern Iran, with a gun tucked into his belt. The image, captured by British photographer Ralph Ponsonby Watts in the early 1920s, offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in the city's history. At the time, Bushehr had been under British occupation for five years, following the Anglo-Persian War of 1914. The man's traditional Iranian attire, with its long, flowing robe and wide-brimmed hat, contrasts sharply with the modern firearm at his side. This juxtaposition serves as a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between the old and the new, the traditional and the colonial, in this part of the Middle East during the early 20th century. The man's expression is calm and resolute, suggesting that he is not intimidated by the foreign presence in his city. His dark, piercing eyes gaze intently into the distance, as if he is lost in thought or contemplating the future. The photograph's composition, with the man framed against the backdrop of the city's bustling streets and markets, adds to the sense of historical significance and intrigue. The racial and colonial undertones of the image are also noteworthy. The British occupation of Bushehr was part of a larger imperial project to assert control over Iran's natural resources and strategic locations. The photograph, therefore, can be seen as a reflection of the power dynamics at play during this period, with the Iranian man representing the indigenous population and the gun symbolizing the military might of the colonial power. Overall, this photograph offers a fascinating window into the past, providing insights into the complex history of Iran and the Middle East during a time of great change and upheaval. It is a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of colonialism on the peoples and cultures of the Eastern world.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
