Different Times Photo

Photographer’s Note

On the left stands perhaps the most recognisable sculpture in the world - but not from this point of view.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is half human and half lion and one of the largest single stone sculptures in the world. Today it looks towards two fast food stores - KFC and Pizza Hut - shown on the right. I thought it important to show how these multi-national companies have infiltrated even this most ancient site.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is thought to have been commissioned by King Khephren, the owner of of the second largest pyramid, and to have been built between 2520BC and 2495BC. I am wondering if his hard-working builders would have prefered a Hawaiian Pizza or Chicken nuggets?

PaulVDV, patshoo, riclopes, holmertz, ang25 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

PaulVDV (5018) 2008-07-14 3:09

Hello Marlene,
A different POV is interesting to show how close the sphinx and the pyramids are to the city. Usually only the desert view is shown and also known by most people and sometimes visitors are surprised these monuments aren't in the middle of the desert.
This is a clear and sharp picture of the site !
Regards, Paul

patshoo (944) 2008-07-14 3:42

Interesting POV,Contrast of modern city that invade archeology site seem awful,Good composition and well sharpness.Good work,TFS.

riclopes (32819) 2008-07-14 5:32

Olá Marlene, very original POV showing something that is not usually known: the proximity of the city, that makes the Giza pyramids rather disapointing. Love the resulted odd shape on the Sphinx.
ric
p.s.- Yes, Banana Island is an island in the middle of the Nile, 4km South of Luxor.

holmertz (9200) 2008-07-14 6:18

Hello Marlene,
It's true, we rarely see the sphinx from this side, and most of us wouldn't even have recognized without your help. It's interesting to see the modern (well...) Cairo being so close to the ancient monuments. An interesting perspective.
Regards,
Gert

trekks (14260) 2008-07-14 8:16

hi Marlene

This pov is quite unique in showing the rear view and your f/10 has given good depth to the settlement facing the Sphinx. Amazing to see how the site has been edged closer to development area. Well composed view and really very different perspective.

tfs, bill

dvlazar (6468) 2008-07-15 5:56

An angle of the sphinx we dont see too often - interesting to see how close to the town it is.

Good work coming up with this different POV. Cheers!
dave

dmarizz (2316) 2008-07-21 4:27

Hello Marlene,
I've never been there so I was a bit surprised to read that the Sphinx and Pyramid Complex at Giza is close to the built-up area of modern Cairo. And now you make me see ‎how near it is. Thanks for posting, Dario.