Listing of pre-1922 photographer studios active in Smyrna

Researched and compiled by Fabio Tito and Forum members, 2010

Smyrna from the mid 19th century acquired a wealthy elite, comprimising sections from all sections of the multi-ethnic society. The photographers reflected this diversity as their names testify.

1- “Imerologion ke Odigos Smirnis tu Visektu Etous 1876” was prepared by Th. K. and S. K.
2- “Pankosmios Emborikos Odigos tu Etus 1908” was prepared by Mihail I. Mihailidis and published by Amalthia.
3- “Ellinikos Odigos 1919” Second edition Pontiki Athens 1992
4- Further but partial information on Rubelin and Alexander Svoboda in the web site here:
5- Further information from the book “Abdullah Freres”, Ozendes Engin, YKY:
In 1863, there was a branch of Abdullah Frères in Smyrna, for a short period (p. 207).
6- The 1901 edition of L’Indicateur Ottoman, announces that Cosmi Abdullah and Antoine Zilpoch opened a photographic studio together in Izmir (Rue Franque, Local Baindirli, vis-a-vis la Rue Hadji-Stam) (p. 201).
7- Some examples of the photography of C. Abdullah & A. Zilpoche:
8- Though not dealing specifically with Smyrna photographic studios there are books published on the general subject of photography in the Ottoman Empire, such as in English: ‘Photography in the Ottoman Empire, 1839-1919 - Haşet Yayınevi, İstanbul, 1987 (second editon 1995)’, ‘Abdullah Freres, Ottoman Court Photographers, Yapı Kredi Yayınları, 1998’ and in German: ‘Die Fotografie im Osmanischen Reich, Nimet Şeker, Ergon, 2010’.
9- Alexandre (Sandor) Svoboda was born in 1826 in Baghdad, son of Anton Svoboda and Euphémie Muradjian. Alexandre’s father, Anton (Antoine) Svoboda was born in Essek (today’s Osijek Croatia). Anton’s parents were Thomas Svoboda (a Hungarian Hussar based in Osijek) and Magdalena Fiedler (a woman of Osijek with German origins).
Alexandre’s father Anton Svoboda left Osijek and set up as a merchant of Viennese crystal, first calling on Aleppo, then to Baghdad (because there were no crystal merchants in Baghdad at this time!). He founded his business and raised his family in Baghdad (4 sons and 7 daughters). He traded with Europe (Austria, Italia, Turkey) and with India. Alexandre learned painting in Budapest (under Miklós Barabás) and attended the Royal academy of arts of Venice. He also went to Bombay (India) and as he come back from Asia to Baghdad with his 2 daughters Effie and Jeanne, and finding that there wasn’t any market as a photographer or artist painter in Baghdad, he decides to set up with his daughters in Smyrna. Alexandre married again in 1863, in Smyrna, Marianne “Blanche” Madeleine Tricon (born in Rhodes around 1846) and they had 8 children. Blanche was the descendant of François Tricon, French merchant from Marseilles who settled in Smyrna around 1760 and of Helen Cortazzi. Effie married Ernest Boucherot in London, Jeanne married Nicolas Filippucci in Smyrna and Julie Svoboda married Isidore Dominique Braggiotti in Constantinople in 1902. Two of his children: Effie Svoboda & Philippe Svoboda were also painters. Two of his children were also photographers: Alfred Svoboda & Richard Svoboda. Alexandre and Blanche went to London and Paris. Alexandre began to suffer ill health in that climate. They then decided to set up in Constantinople. Alexandre went frequently to Chios for convalescence. I think he died on the island of Chios (August 8th 1896) and is buried in Smyrna - information courtesy of Carole Boucherot-Düster, 2013 - gallery - further information

I.P. = Indicateur des Professions Commerciales & Industrielle de Smyrne, de l’Anatolie etc.
A.O. = Annuaire Oriental du Commerce de l’industrie, de l’administration et de la magistrature pour Turquie, Russie, Greece, Roumanie, Bulgarie par Cervati Frères & Cie