It is not however the quality what interests us about these photographs but instead, and as we mentioned in the previous chapter, the nature of their themes: the photographers chose not the big monuments but the daily routine of the citizens of Córdoba.
The photographic portrait shows us many things: Córdoba was just starting to put the harsh footprint of the Civil war behind. Vehicles are hardly seen circulating in the streets but there are plenty of beasts of burden. The modernization phase of the country and the city is just a few years up the road. Nowadays the city has reached the quality of life of any other prosperous city from any developed country. These documents tells us the story of our fathers and grandfathers who walked that arduous path towards a better life. It also shows how this cumulation of progress eroded the city, in some cases we should be grateful that the city has reached us in the wonderful state it has.
Two scenes: life in the Roman Bridge. The first one shows the parking lot, a new construction. Tourism, as we all know, requires certain services to keep on thriving. Meanwhile the Bridge of Saint Rafael is still under construction and the sole road connection to the South is the Roman Bridge.
This photograph is quite popular among academics specialized in Córdoba’s history, it is also a very characteristic social trend that binds us, Córdoba citizens, together: the stroll around the Olivo Fountain inside the Patio de los Naranjos. Back then people would go there to collect fresh water since tap water was yet to be massively implemented.
This cute picture of a young lady grabbing the bell’s tapper from the Cathedral allows to meet the photographer. It also shows us how one could linger in the bell tower as much as one liked for a small sum of money. There is also the nasty habit of tasteless graffiti.
This photograph is very interesting for it allows us to see how the famous Indiano House was before its demolition. There is a woman at the back with a broom made from esparto straws sweeping the pavement from animals’ stools.
The way down to the Mezquita through Blanco Belmonte street. There is still no trace of vehicles.
Saint Nicolás church. A classic postcard. But wait! I believe there is a mechanical creation at the back, yes!, it is a bicycle!
Some of you may recognize her, she is the woman that sold lottery; people who sell lottery are commonly referred as “the blinds” because most of them ar in fact blind. And there you can appreciate the security system of the time: a big cane.
Saint Juan church with its recently restored minaret. The photographer reveals himself in the photo, again. Oh! There goes another cyclist, it seems that the future is around the corner now.
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See Chapter 1