Newlyweds in Alaya

Newlyweds in Alaya, early 20th century. A posed photograph in the “cabinet portrait” style typical of Asia Minor studios of the period. The groom poses in a European suit with a characteristic moustache, while the bride wears the traditional Alaya costume, with embroidered apron, vest, and fez adorned with jewellery.
The portrait captures the meeting of two worlds—modernity and local tradition—as expressed in the Greek communities of Alaya before the uprooting of 1922.
Donated to the collection of the Alaya Association by Sofia Tsompanaki, from the personal archive of her husband Kostas Tsompanakis, President of the Association, it is exhibited at the ALAYA Cultural Centre.