ABSTRACT
This chapter examines Frank Scholten’s photographic documentation of Tel Aviv during his 1921 visit to Palestine. Tel Aviv, which was emerging as a Zionist Mediterranean hub, became a focal point for Scholten’s exploration of urban life and social diversity. His images reveal the city’s layered history and rapid transformation, capturing the tension between longstanding regional traditions and modern Zionist ambitions. Scholten’s extended stay allowed him to engage deeply with Tel Aviv’s social fabric, documenting diverse communities and their connections to the city’s growth. His experience also reshaped his perspective as a queer European traveler, which influenced how he portrayed Tel Aviv’s evolving identity. Scholten’s work serves as both a record of urban change and a reflection of his active role in shaping its narrative.
