To the Editor:

On behalf of myself and, I’m certain, the large number of attendees at the Sunday, October 20 opening reception and photography exhibition by photojournalist and essayist Mary Cross, I would like to sincerely thank Ms. Cross for providing a magnificent visual journey through Turkish mosques and tombs. The event was held in the Bernstein Gallery of the Woodrow Wilson School (WWS) of Public and International Affairs.

The photographs, taken in many Turkish locales, reveal Ms. Cross’s unique skill in capturing the genius of Ottoman architecture and in highlighting the importance of the mosque within each community. Sunlight and dusky interiors served to draw attention to intricate mosaic structures and vibrant carpets.

Ms. Cross was graciously introduced by Stan Katz, lecturer with the rank of professor in public and international affairs and the director of the Princeton University Center for Arts and Cultural Policy Studies. In her remarks, Ms. Cross engagingly and humorously shared the challenges she faced in taking some of her photographs; challenges she and her intern deftly resolved through diplomacy and ingenuity.

Among the astute and appreciative attendees were Anne Reeves, the new president of the Princeton Middle East Society (PMES); Micaela deLigneroles former PMES president; Helmut and Eva-Maria Schwab; Paul Sigmund, professor of politics, emeritus; Ambassador Robert Finn, former ambassador to Afghanistan and Turkish scholar and linguist; John Burkhalter, independent scholar and artistic director of the Practitioners of Music; Hanna Rosenbaum and Fran and Nathan Scovronick. Mr. Scovronick is the Associate Dean, at the WWS.

LINDA SIPPRELLE

Nassau Street