Bohemian Woman - Coumara Nut Seller - Istanbul, Turkey
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Bohemian Woman - Coumara Nut Seller - Istanbul, Turkey
Bohemian Woman - Coumara Nut Seller - Istanbul, Turkey. Coumara nuts are the seeds of the Tonka Bean Tree, used in medicines, perfumes and (in Asia) as a substitute for Vanilla. Date: circa 1904
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Media ID 11584883
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Baskets Bean Bohemian Constantinople Headscarf Istanbul Itinerant Medicines Perfumes Seeds Seller Substitute Trader Vanilla Vendor Ottoman
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the image of a Bohemian woman selling Coumara nuts in the bustling streets of Constantinople, now Istanbul, Turkey, around the year 1904. The woman, dressed in flowing, colorful clothing and adorned with intricate jewelry, embodies the free-spirited and artistic Bohemian lifestyle that was popular during the Ottoman Empire. Coumara nuts, also known as Tonka beans, are the seeds of the Tonka Bean Tree. They have been used for various purposes throughout history, including in traditional medicines, perfumes, and as a substitute for vanilla in Asian cuisine. The woman in the photograph carries a large basket of these valuable seeds on her head, ready to sell to passersby. The scene is a snapshot of everyday life in Istanbul during the early 20th century. Itinerant vendors like this woman played an essential role in the city's economy, providing goods and services to the local population. Her headscarf, a common accessory for women in the region at the time, adds to the authenticity of the image. The historical significance of this photograph extends beyond the sale of Coumara nuts. It offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire, a time when the city was a melting pot of diverse influences from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The photograph also highlights the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of women in the face of adversity, as they played crucial roles in supporting their families and communities through trade and commerce.
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