Mouhamed Moustapha

Photographer
   
Thinnai - Vanishing tradition
Location: Pondicherry, India
Nationality: Indian
Biography: MOUHAMED MOUSTAPHA is a self-taught photographer based in Pondicherry, India. He also works on commissioned assignments in Paris, France.   He has contributed to major names and brands like Hidesign, Designer Fernand Ratier in Paris,... MORE
Public Story
Thinnai - Vanishing tradition
Copyright Mouhamed Moustapha 2024
Updated Jan 2021
Location Pondicherry
Topics Abandonment, Architecture, Arts, Conservation, Documentary, Editorial, Environment, Interior, Lifestyle, Photography, Stock, Street

The Thinnai is a raised platform adjoining the main entrance of a house facing the street. This is a place where people gather together and chitchat during the day. The Thinnai separates the public space from the private. Some Thinnais will have only a wooden bench. While others may be made of cement or will have richly decorated Teak wood columns.

The Thinnai was a multi-functional space. The inhabitants of the house used to sit hours together on the Thinnai to chit-chat with family members, relatives or neighbors. Strangers were asked to wait on the Thinnai and were served water or food. Passers-by used to take shelter to escape from the summer sun and rest a little before continuing their journey. Farmers used to keep their harvest like paddy or grains in bags during the harvesting seasons.

The Modern Architecture of Tamilnadu shifted from a social pattern, a pattern that was inclusive of the local community, to the architecture that gives more importance to private spaces and privacy. It has no space or time left for social interaction with the neighboring community.


LinkedIn Icon Facebook Icon Twitter Icon
4,460

Also by Mouhamed Moustapha —

Story

Market Street Pondicherry

Mouhamed Moustapha
Story

Genaration, Family Portrait

Mouhamed Moustapha
Story

Way of seeing , Eiffel tower

Mouhamed Moustapha
Story

Car Window reflection won NAT GEO moment award 2014

Mouhamed Moustapha
Story

SERENTIPITOUS - Ongoing Photo Series

Mouhamed Moustapha / Tamilnadu
Story

Inspired from paintings

Mouhamed Moustapha
Story

Architecture & Interior

Mouhamed Moustapha
Story

Fashion & Product

Mouhamed Moustapha / Paris
Story

Paris in my mind

Mouhamed Moustapha / Paris
Story

Portrait

Mouhamed Moustapha / Tamilnadu
Story

Classical Muslim Wedding

Mouhamed Moustapha / Mumbai
Story

Franco Indian Project

Mouhamed Moustapha / Paris
Story

Recreating Memories of Ile Saint-Louis

Mouhamed Moustapha / Paris
Thinnai - Vanishing tradition by Mouhamed Moustapha
Sign-up for
For more access