Turkey (Türkiye)

Ephesus is potentially the most intact ruin from its time. When we visited, it was huge, and it is estimated that only 10% of the site had been excavated! The card back will read "From the Turkish Collection / Ephesus Library / Under restoration, this is just the library's facade".

Included on the card back: Natural formations called "Fairy Chimneys" in the uniquely beautiful Kapadokya region.

The building where this icon is displayed is Hağia Sophia (Saint Sophia) in İstanbul, which has been a Christian church, a mosque, and now is a museum. The brown paper feels warm, the blue cool when paired with this photo by Kris. Included on the card back: From the Turkish Collection: An icon in Hağia Sophia (Saint Sophia) in İstanbul, now a museum.

I did not expect a pool of such tropical feel! This was just on the edge of Hierapolis and just above the travertine cliffs of Pamukkale. Included on the card back: From the Turkish Collection: Exquisite pool near Hierapolis and the travertine cliffs of Pamukkale.

In ancient times, travellers would stay here for the night and they and their animals would be fed and cared for. Included on the card back: From the Turkish Collection / Caravanserai / Third largest Caravanserai in Türkiye, between Aksaray and Nevşehir.

These artifacts were lit from the bottom to give them an ethereal glow. It is amazing to me that they survived intact for millennia. Included on the card back: From the Turkish Collection / Glassware / Vases and perfume containers at the Ephesus Museum in Selçuk.

The white mosque in the middle of the darker surroundings was striking to me. About 99% of Turkey's people are Muslim. One hears the calls to prayer throughout the day from the early hours to the eveningtime. Included on the card back: From the Turkish Collection / White Mosque / In a village along Highway 200 near Ankara.

Taken from our hotel room balcony near sunset. Kuşadası is a resort town on the west coast of Turkey. It has a beautiful bay and is the closest port to the ancient city of Ephesus. Included on the card back: From the Turkish Collection / Kuşadası Körfesi / A view of Kuşadası Bay on the Aegean Sea.