Cumba Collection

The Palace of the Ambassdor to France at Therapia, Istanbul. Date: circa 1906

Narrow Arab Street in Algiers, Algeria Date: circa 1930s

Istanbul, Turkey, Ottoman Empire - Entrance to Ayasofya
Istanbul, Turkey, Ottoman Empire - One of the entrances to the Ayasofya. Date: circa 1905

Libyan Street Scene Date: circa 1920s

Buildings in Sawakin (Suakin) - north-eastern Sudan - The Quarantine Office. Date: circa 1925

Thessaloniki, Greece - Rue Sabri Pacha. Date: 1901

Turkish house with Cumba
Traditional Turkish wooden house. The upper rooms overhanging the street are called Cumbas, designed in order to catch any breath of air in the heat of the summer

Magnificent Wooden villas - banks of the Boshorus, Istanbul
A very fine real photographic postcard of a set of Magnificent Wooden waterfront and a ferry Station jetty villas - banks of the Boshorus, Istanbul - exact location (as yet) unknown (Yenikoy?)

Damascus, Syria - Street in the Arab Quarter Date: circa 1910s

Aleppo, Syria, Place Telal. Date: circa 1905

Lima - Peru - Palacio Torre Tagle Date: circa 1930s

Sfax, Tunisia - Rue de la Republique
The Rue de la Republique with the British Vice Consulate at Sfax, Tunisia. The Consulate is right next door to a general store, selling pottery, overcoats and flat caps

Minieh, Egypt
A small town in Egypt - Minieh

A traditional Jumba house - Istanbul
A traditional Jumba house - Constantinople (Istanbul)

A street in Buyukdere, Istanbul, Turkey. Old traditional Ottoman houses at the end of the Sultunate. The upper rooms overhanging the street are called Cumbas

Water transportation - Baku, Azerbaijan
Water carriers - barrels mounted on mules transporting fresh water through the streets in Baku, Azerbaijan

Yemen - Hodeidah - English Consulate in the old Turkish Quarter of the city with its fine Ottoman-influenced architecture (note the cumba)

Constantinople - Street scene with cumbas
Street scene in Istanbul with cumbas

The opening of Parliament - Constantinople
The opening of the Parliament - Constantinople around the time of the revolution and the declaration of the new constiution

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Cumba: A Journey Through Architectural Marvels in the Middle East and North Africa" Step into a world of captivating beauty as we explore the architectural wonders of Cumba. From the enchanting buildings in Sawakin, Sudan to the majestic al-Safahiyeh Mosque in Aleppo, Syria, this region is a treasure trove of stunning structures. As we wander through the vibrant streets of Aleppo, our eyes are drawn to the intricate design of al-Safahiyeh Mosque. Its grandeur stands tall amidst bustling city life, reminding us of its historical significance. Moving on to Istanbul, Turkey, we find ourselves mesmerized by The Palace of the Ambassador to France at Therapia. This opulent residence showcases exquisite craftsmanship and transports us back to an era when diplomacy was conducted with elegance and grace. Narrow Arab Street in Algiers beckons us with its old-world charm. The winding alleys lined with traditional architecture offer glimpses into Algerian culture and heritage that have stood strong for centuries. Ayasofya's entrance in Istanbul takes our breath away as we stand before its magnificent gates. This iconic landmark reflects both Byzantine and Ottoman influences, leaving visitors awestruck by its sheer magnificence. In Libya's lively street scene, modernity blends seamlessly with ancient traditions, and is here that past meets present; where history intertwines effortlessly with contemporary life. The banks of Bosphorus reveal another facet of Istanbul's architectural splendor - wooden villas that exude timeless elegance against a picturesque backdrop. These charming abodes tell stories from generations past while offering respite from bustling city life. Damascus invites us further into its rich tapestry as we stroll along roads close to Umayyad Mosque. Here lies a fusion between Islamic artistry and Syrian culture - an amalgamation that leaves an indelible mark on all who visit this historic city. Place Telal in Aleppo captivates us with its vibrant atmosphere.