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MYRA |
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Situated between Finike and Kas, Myra is 25 kms. from
Finike and 48 kms. from Kas. It was one of the most
important cities among the other six Lycian cities. It was
settled in the 5th century B.C. Although it was originally a
coastal town, it has retreated from the sea because of the
alluvium from the Demre stream. It was abandoned in the 9th
century A.D. after the Arab invasion. The rock tombs, the
theatre and St. Nicholas Church have survived to make it a
place worth visiting. St. Nicholas, born in 245 A.D. in
Patara near Fethiye (known variously as St.Nicholas, Father
Christmas, Santa Claus, Heilige Nikolaus and Pere Noel) died
in 363 A.D., having spent his life in Anatolia. Son of a
wealthy family and of good education, he devoted himself to
mankind. Because of the assistance he rendered to those
around him, St. Nicholas was known as the protector of
children and sailors, and to this day the legend of Father
Christmas has continued to live as vividly as ever.
As the Bishop of Demre, by his religious and social work, he
solved the problems of the people in a humane way. After he
died he was buried in Demre and a church was built there in
his memory. In 108 Italian pirates stole some of his bones
and took them to Bari. In their haste they left a few behind
and these are today on display in the Antalya Museum. In a
number of countries the death of St. Nicholas is
commemorated by special ceremonies and by giving presents to
children, and in fact it takes on the significance of a new
year. Between the years 1951-55 it dawned on people that
Santa Claus (or Father Christmas) originated from St.
Nicholas and this drew a lot of attention to Turkey, with
articles in the papers and items on the radio. In 1955 a
Father Christmas stamp was issued. After that date,
celebrations for Father Christmas started to be held
regularly. The first Father Christmas symposium ever held in
Antalya was between 5-7 December 1983. This is now held
annually and is attended by religious and scientific people
from all over the world. In these symposiums, in keeping
with Anatolia's St. Nicholas' love for humanity, a call is
made to people of different religions and beliefs for peace,
friendship and brotherhood. |
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