Egyptian Public Scribe
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Egyptian Public Scribe
A public scribe sets his hookah aside while he attends to his client in the streets of Cairo Date: 1849
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14290223
© Mary Evans Picture Library/INS. OF CIVIL ENGINEERS
1849 Attends Cairo Client Hookah Letter Scribe Sets Writers
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: A Moment of Focus: An Egyptian Public Scribe in Cairo, 1849 This evocative image captures a moment in time as an Egyptian public scribe, with a hookah pipe momentarily set aside, engages intently with his client in the bustling streets of Cairo during the mid-19th century. The photograph, taken in 1849, offers a rare glimpse into the daily life of a scribe during a period when written communication was a vital means of conveying information and conducting business. Public scribes played a pivotal role in Egyptian society, providing essential services to individuals and businesses that could not read or write. They were highly skilled professionals, trained in various forms of writing, including hieroglyphics, Demotic, and Greek scripts. Their expertise was in high demand, making them an integral part of the economic and social fabric of Egyptian society. The scribe in this photograph wears traditional Egyptian attire, including a long, white robe and a turban, signifying his professional status. His client, dressed in Western-style clothing, reflects the growing influence of European culture in Egypt during this period. The pair's interaction underscores the interconnectedness of Egyptian and European societies, as well as the enduring importance of written communication. The hookah pipe, a common feature of Egyptian coffeehouses and a symbol of relaxation and socializing, lies discarded nearby. The scribe's focus on his task at hand underscores the importance of his work and the dedication required to excel as a public scribe in 19th-century Egypt. This image offers a unique window into the past, providing valuable insights into the role of communication and the daily life of a public scribe in this historic city.
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