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Diving for sponges on the coast of Syria, 1862. Creator: Unknown
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Diving for sponges on the coast of Syria, 1862. Creator: Unknown
Diving for sponges on the coast of Syria, 1862. Latakia sponges are known and appreciated in England, but very few of the superior quality ever reach this country, chiefly from the great demand for this useful appendage to the toilet amongst the ladies of the various hareems, whose constant visits to the hummums, or baths, bring the sponge into daily requisition...The natives employed in these fisheries are a peculiar people, mostly inhabiting the small island of Ruad, not far from the Gulf of Antioch. Of an almost amphibious nature, they are from their infancy exposed to the hardships and privations of fishers generally...A hard and a dangerous life do these poor divers lead, and one which at any moment exposes them to instant death. Yet they are a robust and cheerful people, always full of mirth and frolic. The most astonishing thing about them is the wonderful length of time they can remain under water. Sometimes the dive is so protracted, owing to falling upon a good field of sponges, that when the poor fellows reach the surface again they are utterly exhausted, and the blood gushes from their mouths, noses, eyes, and even ears'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862
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Media ID 35127233
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Danger Dangerous Dhow Diver Divers Diving Felucca Feluccas Middle Eastern Peril Sailboats Sailing Boats Sponge Swimmer Swimmers Swimming Syria Typical Dhows Illustrated London News Latakia Sponges White And Black
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Diving for Sponges on the Coast of Syria, 1862
EDITORS COMMENTS
is an intriguing and evocative photograph that transports us back in time to the Mediterranean coast of Syria during the mid-19th century. The image captures a group of Syrian divers, dressed in traditional attire, as they delve deep into the crystal-clear waters in search of valuable sponges. At the time, Syria was a significant source of high-quality sponges, which were highly sought after in Europe, particularly in England. These sponges were highly valued for their use in personal hygiene, especially among the women of the harems, who visited the public baths, or hummums, on a daily basis. The divers in this photograph are primarily from the small island of Ruad, located near the Gulf of Antioch. These people were known for their amphibious nature, having been exposed to the harsh conditions of fishing from a young age. Their lives were characterized by hardships and danger, as they faced the constant risk of drowning with every dive. Despite the challenges and perils of their profession, these divers were a robust and cheerful people, always full of mirth and frolic. The most remarkable aspect of their lives was their ability to remain underwater for extended periods, sometimes for so long that upon resurfacing, they would be left utterly exhausted, with blood gushing from their mouths, noses, eyes, and even ears. This photograph, taken from the Illustrated London News in 1862, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these intrepid divers and the valuable industry that sustained them. It is a poignant reminder of the rich cultural and historical heritage that exists along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
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