SIBA | A Visual Approach to Explore Everyday Life in Turkish and Yugoslav Cities, 1920s and 1930s

Mahala fashion

Object:	Mahala fashion
Description:	Two women in the Vratnik mahalla on a sunny summer day. The lady in the lower right corner is wearing a zar with a dark cloak and an elaborate, light dušeme and head covering. Her body is turned to the right as if to exit the picture. Her gaze is directed towards the opposite side, past the photographer, as if posing only out of courtesy. A few metres down the lane, a young girl in a light, European-style frock is smiling directly into the camera. She sports short, uncovered hair, and has a dark scarf knotted around her neck. She has naked arms and is carrying a handbag. In the background is a view of the Trebević and Jahorina massive.
Comment:	The photograph beautifully captures the extremes of female dress and attitudes that co-existed among the Bosniak ladies of Sarajevo, as expressed in the choice of zar and/or European-style attire (and sometimes combinations). Analogue photographic process, negative-positive (Agfa Isopan 17 DIN). Original preserved as a positive on silver bromine paper, stored as a print and a digital record.
Date:	1939
Location:	Sarajevo, Vratnik
Country:	Bosnia and Herzegovina (contemporary)
	Yugoslavia (historical)

Keywords:	100 Orientation > 103 Place Names 130 Geography > 131 Location 290 Clothing > 292 Special Garments 560 Social Stratification > 562 Gender Status 560 Social Stratification > 563 Ethnic Stratification
Bibliography:	Akšamija, Mehmed A. (2015): Alija M. Akšamija – Monografija arhivografije. Sarajevo: BANU. Vol. I, 47.

Copyright:	Mehmed A. Akšamija
Archive:	Alija M. Akšamija private collection, Sarajevo (Collection Sarajevski ciklus 1938./39. - Slučajne prolaznice u mahali II), Inv. No.: A.M.A. P 16 39
Editors:	Mehmed A. Akšamija, Kristina Ilić, Nataša Mišković
Permalink:	https://gams.uni-graz.at/o:siba.4870