Sharing History

Collecting objects while travelling became increasingly popular from the 18th century onwards, not only among the elite now, but also the emerging middle classes of Europe and – to a lesser extent – among Arab and Ottoman travellers. With the increased influx of a wide range of European travellers and – eventually – sight-seeing tourists to the Middle East, the urge to collect souvenirs took on new dimensions. Whether eager to physically connect with the past, hold on to the magic of a fabled destination, partake of a site’s spiritual blessing, prove one’s “having been there” to friends and family back home, or all of the above, travellers went to all lengths to collect, purchase, or obtain by other means – legal or otherwise – significant objects along the way. Local dealers in antiquities and art readily catered for the wealthy, while makers of trinkets and reproductions scrambled to attract those of lesser means. Photos and postcards, perhaps, were the most widely distributed type of souvenir at the time. Meanwhile, a variety of souvenirs were made exclusively to commemorate an important visit or event.