UZBEKISTAN ~Kukeldash Madrasah -Tashkent - Unesco Tentative ~

... Beautiful view of Tashkent’s oldest surviving monument and a symbol of 16th-century Islamic education institutions... widely celebrated as a crucial part of Uzbekistan's rich Islamic heritage and a major cultural landmark... its yellow brick facade frames a grand entrance portal over 20 meters high, surrounded by two-storey arcaded galleries and an inner courtyard lined with student cells... the Kukeldash Madrasah has resumed its function as a religious school, with classes and Friday prayers still held... but also remaining a cultural heritage site open for tourists to explore its courtyard, garden and facades... learn its history and legends and admire the traditional-style architecture, which despite having been recently restored still manages to evoke memories of Uzbekistan’s medieval past... a living historical and spiritual place...Thanks a lot Juliia!【ツ】

Tashkent’s Kukeldash Madrasah was built under the Shaybanid Dynasty by the vizier Dervish Khan in 1570. Due to his close relationship with the ruler, the khan was better known by his nickname "Kukeldash", meaning “the khan's milk brother”, and thus the madrasah built by him came to be known as Kukeldash. The finished structure, rich in décor and replete with sky-blue majolica, rivaled the finest architecture of Samarkand and Bukhara. Throughout the course of its history, Kukeldash Madrasah was repurposed, abandoned and rebuilt numerous times.

The specific structure is formally recognized as a prominent component of the region's Silk Roads and on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.
 

Stamp:

Fauna of Uzbekistan - Cats

(Issued 26-10-2021)

Nazruz 

(Issued 20-03-2020)

ROMANIA ~ The Monastery of the Three Hierarchs of Iași - UNESCO tentative list ~

... Nice views of a monastery that symbolizes the cultural and spiritual legacy of the Moldavia region of Romania... an architectural masterpiece renowned for its incredibly detailed exterior stonework and holds historical significance as the final resting place for Moldavian rulers... more than thirty different carved stone decoration bands cover the entire outside walls of the church from the base to the top of the steeples and none of them occurs twice.... they are inspired from the national old wood carvings and embroideries blended with Asian and Western elements... an impressive threefold twisted cord – a symbol of the Holy Trinity – makes the architectural complex of the church absolutely perfect... Thanks Manus!【ツ】

The Monastery of the Three Hierarchs is an important 17th century monument, whose church was erected between 1637 and 1639  by Vasile Lupu, prince of Moldavia, as a royal necropolis.

The church is under the patronage of The Three Holy Hierarchs (St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom); they are celebrated on the 30th of January.  

Plundered and burned by armies (1650, 1686), shaken by earthquakes (1711, 1781, 1795, 1802), the church was restored between 1882 and 1904. 

In 1970 the monastery was shut down and remained so until 1989 when it was reopened. The complex's architecture represents a combination of Romanian, Turkish, Arab, Georgian, Armenian and Persian elements.

Stamp:

Fauna - Horses 

(Issued 03-12-2021)

JORDAN ~ Aqaba - UNESCO tentative list ~

... Nice views of Jordan’s only port city nestled on the shores of the Red Sea... a hidden gem that combines stunning natural beauty, historical significance, and modern facilities...  it’s well known for its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and the warm, welcoming hospitality of its people... the city boasts some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Red Sea... including the Yamanieh coral reefs in the Aqaba Marine Park... in addition to the Islamic-era Aqaba Fortress, there are other historical sites around the city, including ancient ruins and remnants of old trading posts... the Jordanian Flagpole in Aqaba is one of the tallest flagpoles in the world, standing at 130 meters... it’s a symbol of national pride and a prominent landmark... Aqaba and its surrounding areas offer several hiking and nature trails... a popular destination for both locals and tourists... Thanks a lot Esram!【ツ】

Aqaba is situated at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, it borders Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. The city has a rich history that dating back to 4,000 BC. The ancient Egyptians, Romans, and even the Nabateans, who built the famous city of Petra, lived in or passed through here. In the 7th century, Aqaba became an important Islamic port. During World War I, this city was the site of a significant battle when Arab forces, led by T.E. Lawrence, captured it from the Ottoman Empire.

Aqaba Marine Reserve was submitted in 2023 to the UNESCO Tentative List. 

Stamps: 

The 150th Anniversary of the UPU - Universal Postal Union

(Issued 09-10-2024)

National Dresses

(Issued 28-12-2015)

EL SALVADOR ~ Gulf of Fonseca - UNESCO Tentative list ~

... Beautiful view of the bay of Fonseca... one of the most stunning and least explored destinations in the country... it features diverse coastal environments like pristine beaches, islands, mangrove forests, volcanic hills and abundant wildlife... has been a center of human settlement since prehistory, with over 10 major archaeological sites identified... you'll find secluded beaches that have preserved their natural beauty and tranquility... boat tours with breathtaking views, dolphin and exotic bird watching... activities such as hiking on volcanoes, kayaking, paddleboarding, sport fishing, and snorkeling...  far from mass tourism... Thanks a lot Amelia! ♥(ˆ⌣ˆԅ)

Photo: Marino Cattelan©
The Gulf of Fonseca is a sheltered inlet of the Pacific Ocean, bounded by El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. It reaches inland for approximately 65 km and covers an area of about 1,800 square km.

The Gulf was first seen by Europeans in 1522. A Spanish explorer named Gil González Dávila discovered it. He named the gulf after his boss, Juan Rodríguez de Fonseca, who was an archbishop.

The tentative list entry specifically refers to the sites within El Salvador's territory.

Stamp:

The History of Aviation

(Issued 07-12-2017)

BANGLADESH ~ Mahasthangarh - Bogura - UNESCO Tentative ~

... Nice view of  one of the earliest discovered urban archaeological sites in Bangladesh... it offers a glimpse into the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region... this ancient city features the remains of a large citadel, temples, monasteries, and urban structures from various historical periods, serving as a  important center of Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic culture till today... although the structures within the walled complex are largely gone, the site remains an imposing and culturally significant landmark... the onsite Archaeological Museum is an essential stop... it showcases an extensive collection of relics including terracotta figurines, inscriptions, coins, and ancient tools, all offering a deeper understanding of Mahasthangarh diverse historical timeline... Thanks Zahra!【ツ】

The village Mahasthan in Shibganj thana contains the remains of an ancient city which that was called Pundranagara, the capital of the Pundra Kingdom dates back to the 3rd century AD  ( a Brāhmī script inscription discovered in 1931 helps confirm this early date for the site) It is located on the western ban of the Karatoa river in north Bengal.

The ruins form an oblong plateau measuring 1500m by1400m and are enclosed on their four sides by rampart walls that rise to an average height of 6m from river level. 

Stamps: 

Local Motives 

(Issued 22-04-1992)

The July Uprising

(Issued 09-02-2025)

SERBIA ~ Drina River Canyon - Tara National Park - UNESCO Tentative ~

... Beautiful autumn nature view... this canyon is a real natural gem... the Drina River is the lifeblood of the park and creates one the most stunning canyons in the Balkan... and one of Europe’s largest and deepest gorges... the sides are very steep with numerous tributaries of turquoise water, and culverts, overgrown with dense pine forest and shrubby vegetation, but there are often also vertical, bare rocky cliffs... it is a major attraction for visitors who enjoy nature, photography, rafting, and hiking... Thanks Linda! (✿◠‿◠)

Photo: Irene Becker
Tara National Park forms part of the Dinaric Alps in western Serbia, covering about 220km². In 1981 the mountain range of Tara was declared a National Park also sometimes called the "lungs of Serbia." The Drina river runs for 346 km through the Balkans and forms a large portion of the border between Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. 

It’s named after Mount Tara, which stands at 1,000 to 1,590 metres above sea level. There are 53 species of mammals and 153 species of birds living in this nature reserve park while bear, chamois and roe deer are protected by law. It’s home to Serbia’s only native population of brown bears.

3X Definitives - Fruits and Flowers

(Issued 18-12-2024)

"EXPO BG 2027"

(Issued 11-04-2024)

St. VINCENT and the GRENADINES - La Soufrière - UNESCO tentative List ~

.. Fantastic view and new place to add to my collection💙...  La Soufrière volcano, the highest peak on the island of St. Vincent in the Caribbean is located in the La Soufrière Volcano National Park... this active stratovolcano rises to approximately 1,234 meters and dominates the surrounding landscape, a defining feature of the island's geography... historically, La Soufrière has erupted several times, in 1979 and 2021, impacting local communities and reshaping the landscape, making it one of the most closely monitored active volcanoes in the region... despite its volcanic activity, La Soufrière Volcano National Park remains a captivating destination for experiencing tropical volcanic landscapes, adventurous hiking with dramatic panoramic views of St. Vincent neighboring islands and the Caribbean Sea... the park is a haven for biodiversity, hosting a range of endemic plant and animal species... Thanks a lot Amelia!(✿◠‿◠)

St. Vincent & the Grenadines is a nation of 32 islands located in the Lesser Antilles between St. Lucia and Grenada.The largest and northernmost island is St. Vincent with on the south west coast Kingstown, the nation’s capital.

The name "Soufriere" comes from the French "soufre", which means sulphur. In many volcanic areas, sulphur is naturally deposited at the surface by the volcanic gases and has traditionally been extracted and used by people.

The La Soufrière Volcano National Park has been on UNESCO's tentative list since 2012.

Stamp:

Insects

(Issued 2007)

Bosnia and Herzegovina ~ Blagaj Tekija - UNESCO tentative list ~

... Wonderful B & Herzegovina’s postcard nr 2... this modest white Ottoman-era building is located at the base of extremely high cliffs... set at the spring of the River Buna whose water gushes out of a cave in a lovely clean blue-green hue is something unique... it is considered to be one of the countries most holy and ancient sites... the monastery is a tekija or tekke, (a type of Islamic religious building)  a place of spiritual retreat and reflection... it was and still is a venue for dervish Zikr praise-chanting three nights weekly... the monastery is worth a visit, but its setting and location makes it really a worthwhile stop... Big Thanks once more  Gian Luca and Raffaella! \_(♥‿♥)_/ 

The Blagaj Tekke was created between 1446 and 1520. It was first mentioned in a 1664 Travelogue by Evliya Çelebi on his travels. By the 1800’s, the Austrian-Hungary regime had all Tekke’s shutdown. The next record comes in 1851, when at the request of a Ottoman General the Tekke was reconstructed including two musafirhanas (charity houses for guests) to be used for the accommodation of travelers.

In the 1900’s the Tekke was destroyed by both rock slides (1949 & 1951) restored and then in 1952, the dervishes were expelled from the Tekke under Communist rule. Before the Bosnian wars in the 1990’s, the dervishes started to return to the Tekke as a gathering place.

Finally in 2012, formal restoration was carried out by the Turkish travel agency Fidan Tours. The Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina ceded the Tekke to Fidan Tours for use for 33 years.

 

Stamps: 

Views of Zepa 

(Issued 16-03-2023)

2020 BKZ Preporod Literary House Luminaries 

(Issued 30-11-2020)

BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA ~ Pocitelj - UNESCO tentative list ~

... Nice aerial view of a charming historic fortified village often described as an open-air museum... perched on a mountainside overlooking the serene emerald Neretva River... a place where time stands still and history comes to live... Pocitelj intrigues with its medieval and Ottoman character and  architecture... with a towering minaret, stone houses, narrow streets... and fortress on top of the hill that gives you a spectacular panoramic view of the region...Thanks a lot Gian Luca and Raffaella! (✿◠‿◠)  

Pocitelj is located in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The town was first mentioned on records from the 15th century, but it was likely founded even earlier, in the late 14th century.

It was a town of  important administrative and military center during the Ottoman times, but began to lose this importance during the Austro-Hungarian rule, resulting in many residents moving elsewhere.

During the Bosnian war in 1993, Pocitelj became a target of the Croats’ due to its high percentage of Bosniak inhabitants. Buildings were damaged, as was the mosque and examples of Islamic art.

Work began to restore some of the buildings; the mosque has been brought back to its former glory, however, not all of the restoration followed traditional methods

Počitelj has been on UNESCO's tentative list since 2007.  

Stamps:

Views of Zepa 

(Issued 16-03-2023)

Logo BZK “Preporod”

(Issued 30-11-2020)

PORTUGAL ~ Levadas - MADEIRA - UNESCO tentative list ~

... Nice nature view... Madeira Levada walks are unique hiking trails that follow a network of irrigation channels excavated in the rocks... these levadas were originally constructed to transport water from the wet regions in the north to the drier agricultural areas in the south... today, they offer an extensive system of picturesque paths that wind through lush forests, alongside steep mountainsides and across breathtaking landscapes... including the UNESCO World Heritage Laurissilva forests, exotic flora and fauna, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean... sometimes relatively easy paths, others through tunnels or walking several minutes on the edge... they are one of Madeira’s best-known features...Thanks a lot Elsa!❀◕ ‿ ◕❀

The origin of the levadas dates back to the first quarter of the 15th century. They were engineered by Portuguese settlers to provide water for drinking and agriculture. Most levadas you come across in Madeira are actually still in use.  The word ‘Levada’, which is derived from the Portuguese verb ‘levar’ which means ‘to bring’.

There are about 200 Levadas in total, the majority state owned, others are private. Typical Madeira Island Levadas are no more than a meter wide, swinging the average depth between 50 and 60 cm. The canal side runs a path that rarely exceeds half a meter wide and is known as fret or terrace.  

 

Stamp:

Portuguese Numismatics 

(Issued 22-04-2020)

GERMANY ~ Schöningen Research Museum - UNESCO tentative list ~

...  Nice view of the Paleolithic site of Schöningen... an enormous open-cast brown coal mine... a site of one of the ten most important palaeolithic finds in the world – the Schöningen spears... the spears are regarded not only as the earliest hunting weapons ever found but also as the oldest known wooden tools... thanks to unusually favourable geological and sedimentological conditions, the finds have been very well-preserved... here, you can uniquely understand how and where our predecessor, Homo heidelbergensis, lived and hunted... a real world sensation... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】 

Photo: V. Minkus
The paläon Forschungsmuseum uniquely combines the exciting experience of the Palaeolithic with cutting-edge archaeological research in an innovative exhibition concept. Visitors travel back about 300,000 years to the Palaeolithic and meet the first inhabitants of Lower Saxony. 

You can see the Schöningen spears in the immediate vicinity of where they were found, where they were left around 300,000 years ago and where they were discovered in 1994 - and where excavations are still ongoing today. The spears prove that Homo heidelbergensis planned his actions, had technological skills, used sophisticated hunting strategies, and communicated with each other in a complex social structure. 

The site of the Schöningen Spears – Humans and hunting 300,000 years ago is part of the Tentative list of Germany.

 

Stamp:

World of Letters - Rocket Pencil Postage

(Issued 05-12-2024)

DJIBOUTI ~ Lake Assal - UNESCO tentative list ~

... Nice views of a unique crater, oval-shaped lake... at an altitude of 155 meters below sea level... the lowest point on the African continent... the salinity level of its waters is 10 times that of the sea, making it one of the most saline in the world... floating in the tranquil pristine waters of Lake Assal is an unforgettable experience... the lake offers also a picturesque panorama of untamed wilderness with rugged landscapes, volcanic formations, and vast salt flats... its awe-inspiring natural beauty, geological significance, and cultural heritage make it a unique destination... Lake Assal is undeniably important for the local economy in Djibouti... beyond exporting salt,( it is the world's largest salt reserve),the region has proposals to help boost tourism... and it arrived with a small mystery😉 three postmarks and only one stamp???😁... Thanks Stephane!【ツ】

The Lake is located in Central Djibouti in the Afar depression and was formed by the opening of the Great Rift Valley. The watershed area of the lake is 900km². It is 19km long and 6.5km wide. At its deepest point, the lake is 40m deep, but the mean depth of the lake is less than half of that, at 7.4 m deep.

The area consists of a dry part, a white plain dry lake bed, and the highly saline water body. The main source of water supply is subsurface geothermal springs with aquifers linked to sea water. Specialized algae and fish live in the lake. (the salinity is 348 per mille - for comparison, the Dead Sea has only 260 per mille).

Lake Assal was submitted in 2015 to the UNESCO Tentative List.  

Stamp 

2X ?????????

UNICEF 

(Issued 18-12-2004)

DJIBOUTI ~ Day Forest National Park - UNESCO tentative list

... Nice views of the oldest National Park in Djibouti... it is one of the lush regions of a largely dry country... a beautiful mixture of terrains... some is desert and parts are 1000m high canyons.... most of the trees are in the canyon areas... in spite of its status, the forest as a whole has been under long-term environmental threat... 88% of the Day Forest has been lost over the last two centuries, and more than 20% of the loss has occurred during the last 50 years... one of the main reasons for this demise is climate change... climate in this region is becoming increasingly hot and dry and not suitable for forest... another reason of danger is (as usual around the world) human activities... Thanks Stephane!【ツ】

The Park is located in the northern part of the country in the Goda Mountains (1783m) and was declared a national park in 1939.  It contains the remains of a primary forest that is the only forest in Djibouti with  a total area of approximately 5,900 hectares. The region is one of the very few forested areas of Djibouti, which taken as a whole is one of the least forested countries on Earth. 

The vegetation of the park features an ancient juniper forest, ficus, wild olive trees, boxwoods, dragon trees, and other native plants. The forest is also characterized by the presence of unique and exceptional animals, as it includes a number of endemic bird species, especially the Djibouti spurfowl.

Day Forest National Park was submitted in 2015 to the UNESCO Tentative List. 

 

Stamps:

National Emblem 

(Issued 18-12-2004)

2X UNICEF 

(Issued 18-12-2004)

NORWAY ~ The Oseberg Ship - Oslo - UNESCO tentative list ~

... Beautiful view of the most famous and impressive ship of the Viking Ship Museum which is still nearly intact... a graceful boat with an elaborately carved prow and stern.... the vessel had been crushed by the weight of clay, turf, and stones under which it was buried... the blue clay of the mound preserved the wood, particularly the oak, ash, pine, and yew parts for longer than a millenium... in 1926, the delicate ship was moved to her new, custom-made home where she still stands today... now closed, but the museum will re-open in 2025 as a brand new and bigger one, giving more space to artifacts... Thanks a lot Kat!❀◕ ‿ ◕❀

© Photo: Mittet Foto AS
The Oseberg ship, was built in AD 820, buried in a grave mound 14 years later, and excavated in 1904. Shortly after the excavation, the 21.5m long and 5.0m wide ship was re-assembled and exhibited at the Viking Ship Museum, in Bygdøy, Oslo.

When the burial mound was excavated – it is named after the farm it was found on – the remains of two women were discovered, one of these must have held great rank to have such a grand send off.

Underneath the boat a chamber contained the most Viking-era finds ever to be found in Scandinavia.
 

Stamp:

EUROPA Stamp - Peace - The Highest Value of Humanity  

(Issued 09-05-2023)

CROATIA ~ Korčula - UNESCO tentative list ~

... Wonderful aerial island view... like most of Croatia, Korčula is known for its natural beauty... but it is also home to one of the best examples of a fortified medieval Old Town in the Mediterranean... with centuries-old stone buildings with coral-colored rooftops, narrow alleyways, delicious traditional restaurants, and charming shops... picture peaceful beaches nestled in rocky coves with the most crystal clear waters and a backdrop of mountains on the horizon of the Adriatic Sea.... densely covered with evergreen conifers and pines, olive groves and lush vineyards make Korčula one of Croatia’s greenest islands... Marco Polo, the legendary explorer, was said to have been born on the island...  Thanks a lot Andrene!(✿ ♥‿♥)

There are just over 1200 islands in Croatia, one of which is Korcula. Lying almost halfway between Split and Dubrovnik, the Island of Korcula is part of the South Dalmatia region. The island spreads over 279 km2 and  and on average 7.8 km wide and is the sixth largest island in the country.

The town of Korčula is on the UNESCO World Heritage sites tentative list since 2007.

Stamp:

Natural Wonders of Croatia 

(Issued 28-01-2020)

BULGARIA ~ Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of a group of monolithic religious buildings... wonderful examples of Bulgarian medieval art... once home to monks who hewed cells, churches and chapels out of solid rock... this complex had up to 300 rooms at its peak.... the only one open to visit is the small St. Archangel Michael Chapel ("The Buried Church")... the beautiful and well-preserved colours of the frescoes on the walls and ceiling are still vivid and impressive... with great matching Ivanovo Rock Monastery stamps👍... Thanks a lot Mariyana! (ツ)

 © Photo: Boyko Kalev Design: Vlado Prangov
Ivanovo is located in Central-North Bulgaria along the right bank of Danube river in the Danubian Plain. This rock-hewn complex dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries. It is thought to have been founded around 1220. Beyond these dates, not much is known. The frescoes in the churches are from the same lengthy time period, some were painted in the 13th century and some the late 14th century.

Located in Roussensky Lom nature park, which is on Bulgaria's Tentative List since 1979.

 Stamps:

2X Flora - Mushrooms 

(Issued 10-02-2014)

2X Cultural and Historical Heritage - The 800th Anniversary of the Ivanovo Rock Monastery 

(Issued 07-07-2021)

BELGIUM ~ University Library - Leuven - UNESCO tentative list~

... Lovely view of a wonderful landmark of Leuven... for me the most beautiful city of my country💙... this main library of the KU Leuven is located in the city center with a huge square in front... established in 1425 it has a large collection of rare books and manuscripts... on the fifth floor balcony you have great panoramic view of the city... while climbing the tower you can enjoy the permanent exhibiton of the stirring history about the library... the university library and tower are open every day for visitors... with nice stamp "Insulin - Medical Revolution"... this issue takes a closer look at the importance of this medical discovery... and with sweet special first day cancellation...  Thanks a lot Johan! (✿◠‿◠)

Leuven  is the capital and largest city of the province of Flemish Brabant in the Flemish Region of Belgium.

KU Leuven is the largest Dutch-speaking university in the world and the largest university in the Low Countries (and thus also Belgium's largest university). This makes it the oldest university city in the Low Countries. 

The city is also home of the headquarters of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's largest beer brewer.

 

Stamp:

Insulin a Medical Revolution

(Issued 23-10-2023)

 

BELGIUM ~ Galeries St. Hubert - Brussels - UNESCO tentative list ~

.... Great view of an architectural masterpiece right in the heart of Brussels... one of the first shopping arcades built in Europe... this elegant and prestigious complex is covered across its entire length by a glass roof with a metal frame, sheltering visitors whatever the weather is... in this solid two hundred meter long complex, amazing shop window displays lure visitors into high-end specialized boutiques or chocolate shops, and also a variety of cultural organizations... upstairs, coworking areas, hotel rooms and flats overlook the galleries... some six million people visit the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert every year...  Bpost issued 5 stamps to put the spotlight on Belgium’s covered galleries and arcades... with lovely special first day postmark👍... Thanks a lot Johan!❀◕ ‿ ◕❀

The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries  is an ensemble of three glazed shopping arcades in Brussels. It consists of the "King's Gallery", "Queen's Gallery" and the  "Princes' Gallery".

The galleries were designed and built by the architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar. Construction started in May 1846, lasting for thirteen months, and the 213-metre-long passage was inaugurated on 20 June 1847 by King Leopold I and his two sons. The common name for all three sections — Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert — was created in 1965.

In 2008, the Royal Galleries they were submitted for World Heritage inscription and are included in UNESCO's "Tentative List". 

 

Stamp:

Covered galleries

(Issued 20-03-2023) 

IRELAND ~ Inishmore - Aran Islands - UNESCO tentative list ~

... Its gonna be a great postcard trip through Ireland the next couple of days... visiting some of the most beautiful places on this amazing green little island☘️☘️☘️... Inishmore is the largest and most easily accessible of the three Aran Islands... though the landscape is not the typical green fields of Ireland... it’s rocky and desolate, an extension of the limestone that forms The Burren, to which the Arans were joined millions of years ago... with view of Dún Aengus an ancient fort at the edge of a high cliff... there are no walls or fences protecting a fall into the ocean a hundred meters below the cliff rim... that makes this spot so interesting and unique... a popular tourist attraction and an important archaeological site that also offers spectacular views to the ocean... the best-known and largest of several prehistoric stone forts on the Aran Islands... Thanks a lot Andrene! (✿ ♥‿♥) 

The Aran Islands are a group of three islands located at the mouth of Galway Bay, on the west coast of Ireland. Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr are the last lands to the west before you reach America. 

The island of Inishmore  has over 50 different monuments of Christian, pre-Christian and Celtic mythological heritage. Fort Aengus is believed to have been built and occupied originally in the Iron Age, although there was habitation at the site earlier, in the Bronze Age. The walls of the fort have been rebuilt to a height of 6m and have wall walks, chambers, and flights of stairs.

Its name, meaning "Fort of Aonghas", refers to the pre-Christian god of the same name described in Irish mythology, or the mythical king, Aonghus mac Úmhór.

 

Stamp:

The 100th Anniversary of the First Transatlantic Flight 

(Issued 13-06-2019)

TURKEY ~ Sumela Monastery - Altındere Valley National Park - UNESCO Tentative List ~

... A spectacular view of a Greek Orthodox monastery... built at a height of 1200m into a cliff on a steep mountain... an amazing piece of architecture... one of the oldest monasteries in the Christian world, though it is no longer located in a Christian country... set in the beautiful Altindere National Park, overlooking lush forests and water streams, and blessed with a rich history and religious importance... on a clear day, the views from the high-up Monastery of the valley below are just breathtaking... it's the most magnificent and hierarchical of the many monasteries in this region... the interior has also been extensively restored, and has got interesting Greek Orthodox frescoes on the walls... as it was in the past, it is the most well known and most visited of the monasteries today... Thanks a lot Burak!✿◕ ‿ ◕✿

The monastery Also known as Mother Mary or Virgin Mary, founded by Greeks dates back to the 4th century AD. Legend has it that two priests undertook its creation after discovering a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary in a cave on the mountain. 

The Sumela monastery is carved out into the Karadag Mountain above the Altindere Valley in Macka district of Trabzon province in the Black Sea region.

Altındere Valley National Park was established in 1987 and covers an area of 4,468 ha.

Sumela Monastery was included on the UNESCO Tentative List in 2000.

 Stamps:

Calm Cities 

(Issued 23-12-2019)

Ataturk Houses 

(Issued 28-12-2018)

Works and Reforms of Ataturk

(Issued 29-10-1974)