Old men in the mosque Photo

Photographer’s Note

From the Et'hem Bey mosque in Tirana. This mosque, built in the decades around 1800, is one of the oldest buildings in the Albanian capital and one of the few religious sanctuaries in the country that weren't destroyed or damaged in some way during the former regime. The Communist government saved it beacuse of its value as a historic monument.
Today there is once again religious freedom in Albania, but rather few people visit the mosques and churches. The country has remained strongly secular. During my short visit to the Et'hem Bey mosque I only saw old men.

fanni, JanD, saxo042, carper, feather, Glint, riclopes, Vasa trouve(nt) cette note utile

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fanni (8811) 2009-10-01 2:09

Hej Gert,
three men - in three different places, two sitting and one standing... they form a "triangle"! Very interesting :) I like the composition very much: we can see both a bit of the inside of the mosque and also what is there - outside. Very original shot, I must say! One of the best and most interesting I've seen.
These men didn't mind your taking a photo of them?
kind regards
and wishes of a nice day!
Elena

JanD (15031) 2009-10-01 2:11

Howdy Gert!
Very interesting men. Good scene. Very nice light and bright, beautiful colors. Superb take.
Regards.

nirvana73 (8826) 2009-10-01 2:31

Hello Gert
very nice architecture
i like motif of the carpets
i like looks of the old man
thanks for sharing
best regards
Ozhan

saxo042 (16182) 2009-10-01 8:04

Hej Gert,
I can see the triangle too! I can also see some very fine colours and a very good portrait of the nearest man. Interesting and beautiful architecture. An excellent floor covering too!
Hälsningar
Gunnar

carper (65524) 2009-10-01 9:45

very nice one Gert,
the shot is well taken and the details are dood you handled the light very well here, good photo job, have a good evening.
regard jaap

emka (22177) 2009-10-01 15:43

Hi Gert, I do not know nothing about Albania so i am rather surprised to see a mosque. Interesting pattern of the rugs, beautiful paintings. Strange it has such big glass windows it looks like open.

regards

Malgorzata

feather (50070) 2009-10-02 9:16

This looks as if it was a rare opportunity, as surely more populated mosques would have objected to you being there with a camera???
Excellent daily life image. The 'triangle' has already been mentioned, but also your POV has placed the lines of the carpet in a diagonal which always works well in 'reading' the image. Very well exposed considering the brightness of the outside.
Kath

bukitgolfb301 (4907) 2009-10-02 16:04

Hello my dear Gert

First of all I have ti say sorry for my late reply.
What an amazing and great shot indeed!
Perfect framework, color coordinatio and good shutter chance are splendid and marvelous as usual! Congratulation on your masterpiece!
Thanks for sharing and best regards,
Have a good Saturday !

Takero

Glint (3052) 2009-10-02 17:08

Hello Gert,
such an interesting picture and note. I certainly didn't associate Albania with mosques. I like the rich patterning and colours here of carpets and wall covering. Other people have already mentioned the triangle of men and the carpet's diagonal lines. All work to make a balanced and vibrant scene.
Bev

riclopes (33119) 2009-10-03 0:48

Hello Gert, very nice daily life capture from inside this old mosque. Interesting to see the man in the center looking at you making us to relate with the scene. Also interesting that this space is quite open to the outside world. The carpet is wonderful and my favorite detail is the old man reading/praying peacefully in the back - he would give a great close approach portrait...
have a nice weekend,
ricardo

Vasa (6170) 2009-10-03 1:13

Your witness from Tirana is great, dear friend Gert. Many thanks for sharing your privilege to be in Albania. The country I would like to visit too. Friendly,

Branko

kschanna (6) 2009-10-14 0:57

Hej Gert,

The immense red of the carpet is very impressive and I like the composition and the natural arrangement of the men in the frame as well. You've captured a nice piece of history here.

Thanks for sharing
Kamran