Station in Eritrea
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Station in Eritrea
ERITREA : station at Otumlo, near Massawa in Italian Eritrea. Date: 1895
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14293177
© Mary Evans Picture Library
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the bustling activity at Otumlo Station in Eritrea during the Italian colonial era, circa 1895. Located near the coastal city of Massawa, the station was a vital transportation hub during the construction of the Italian-built railway that connected Massawa with the Ethiopian highlands. The image reveals a scene of organized chaos, as people and cargo scramble to board the trains or unload from them. European engineers and soldiers, dressed in their distinctive uniforms, oversee the operations, while local laborers and porters work alongside them. The trains themselves are a mix of steam locomotives and carriages, their smokestacks billowing plumes of steam into the air. The railway, which spanned over 1,000 kilometers, was a testament to Italian engineering prowess and marked a significant milestone in the colonial conquest of Eritrea. It revolutionized transportation in the region, making it easier to move troops, supplies, and goods between the coast and the interior. Despite the progress and development brought about by the railway, it also had a profound impact on the local population. Thousands of laborers were conscripted to work on the railway, often under harsh conditions, leading to widespread suffering and resistance. The railway also facilitated the spread of diseases such as malaria and smallpox, which took a heavy toll on the local population. This photograph offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in Eritrean history, when the old and the new collided, and the course of the country's future was set in motion.
MADE IN THE USA
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
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
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.