Mameluke House in Cairo, taken in 1800s, from Cornell University archives.

Interior of an Egyptian home, taken in 1800s, from the Cornell University archives

Interior of an Egyptian home, taken 1800s, from Cornell University archives

Interior of an Egyptian home, taken 1800s, from Cornell University archives.

I found these treasures the other day aren't they such lovely photographs. I am hoping to find more.

Its interesting to see a Victorian influence in the last two even though they are still strongly Middle Eastern.

Shemagh

I am finding the ghoutra and shemagh (Arab headdress) fascinating. Initially in the vast sea of them they all appear the same. But actually there are so many variations and the fabric can be quite beautiful. Even the various ways of wearing them are nuanced and subject to fashion and generational changes. I am on the hunt for factories producing them here in the middle east if anyone can help?.