Home > Asia > Turkey > Istanbul
Dancing Bears - Constantinople, Turkey
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Dancing Bears - Constantinople, Turkey
Two attendants/musicians with their dancing bears, performing on their hind legs in Constantinople, Turkey
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4426217
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10268017
Bosphorus Chained Constantinople Cruelty Drums Hind Istanbul Legs Musicians Muzzle Muzzled Sticks Strait Muzzles Ottoman
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph depicts a scene from Constantinople, now Istanbul, Turkey, during the Ottoman Empire era. Two attendants or musicians stand beside their dancing bears, who are skillfully performing on their hind legs. The bears are chained and muzzled, their expressions revealing a mix of submission and determination. The musicians, clad in traditional Ottoman attire, play drums and use sticks to encourage the bears' rhythmic movements. The backdrop of this historical tableau is the majestic Bosphorus Strait, which has been a significant trade route and cultural melting pot for centuries. The image transports us back in time, offering a glimpse into the exotic and often controversial world of dancing bears in the Ottoman Empire. Although this practice is now considered cruel and inhumane, it was once a popular form of entertainment for the masses. The bears were often captured from their natural habitats in the Caucasus Mountains and trained through a grueling process of conditioning and maltreatment. The bears' agility and ability to dance on their hind legs were showcased in public performances, eliciting awe and wonder from the audience. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the complex history of human-animal relationships and the evolving attitudes towards animal welfare. It serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Constantinople and the Ottoman Empire, as well as a reminder of the ethical debates that continue to surround the use of animals for entertainment.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
