by Ece, age 8 from Izmir, Turkey, asks Santa about cat-sized Santa hats, the Aegean Sea, and the ancient city of Smyrna.
Dear Santa, my name is Ece, and I am eight years old. I live in Izmir, Turkey, where my babaanne says our city was once a very important ancient Greek and Roman city called Smyrna.
Dear Ece, a city with a name change that old deserves a very respectful flyover, your babaanne picked a truly ancient hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is there a Santa hat for cats? My kedi wants to match the whole family this Christmas Eve.
There certainly are little Santa hats made just for cats, Ece, perfect for a kedi eager to join the festivities, if she will tolerate wearing it for long. A matching family photo, whiskers included, sounds like a truly wonderful tradition.
My babaanne says Izmir sits right along the Aegean Sea. Is that true?
It is true, Ece, the Aegean Sea stretches along your city’s edge, a beautiful and historic coastline. I always enjoy that sparkling, blue view flying in to visit you.
My babaanne says our city was once called Smyrna, an important ancient city thousands of years ago. Is that true?
It is true, Ece, Izmir was known as Smyrna in ancient times, an important city for the ancient Greeks and Romans. That kind of deep, layered history is really something worth being proud of.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Ece Yilmaz
Izmir, Turkey
P.S. Will my kedi’s photo make it into your workshop collection?
Absolutely, Ece, good cat photos are always welcome additions.
