Images Plurielles publishing house is presenting a groundbreaking exhibition featuring Karimeh Abboud (1893-1940), known as the 'Lady Photographer,' showcasing rare images of Palestine. The exhibition highlights the work of what is believed to be the first female photographer in Palestine and the Middle East, bringing to light a previously overlooked pioneer in Levantine photography.
The remarkable story began in 2006 when a collection of vintage postcards was discovered in an old house in Qatamon, a Jerusalem neighborhood that was a thriving Palestinian district before 1948. These postcards bore the distinctive stamp of their publisher: 'Karimeh Abbud - Lady Photographer.' This discovery provided the first concrete evidence of Abboud's professional photography work and her significant role in documenting Palestinian life during the early 20th century.
The find captured the attention of Ahmed Mrowat, a passionate scholar and researcher who dedicated nearly a decade to collecting photographs by this photography pioneer. Mrowat's extensive research efforts also focused on gathering biographical information about Abboud's life and career, helping to reconstruct the story of this forgotten artist. His work has been instrumental in bringing Abboud's contributions to Middle Eastern photography into the spotlight.
The exhibition will run until February 10, 2026, providing visitors with an extended opportunity to view these historically significant works. The showcase is being held at the 'Côté galerie' gallery, which is located on the first floor of Maupetit bookstore at 142 La Canebière, 13001 Marseille. Additional information about the exhibition and Images Plurielles can be found at www.imagesplurielles.com.
