Archaeologists in Turkey have made a historic discovery, pinpointing the original burial place of St. Nicholas, the fourth-century bishop who inspired the legend of Father Christmas.
The Groundbreaking Discovery in Demre
In 2022, a team working at the ancient site of Myra, now Demre in Turkey, made a significant breakthrough. They uncovered the original ground floor of St. Nicholas Church, where the saint served as bishop and was first interred after his death. This location is believed to be his authentic original burial site.
Professor Dr. Osman Eravar, president of the Antalya Cultural Heritage Preservation Regional Board, suggested that some relics or remains might still be present at the site. However, the investigation faces challenges, as rising sea levels have submerged parts of the original church structure.
The Notorious 11th Century Grave Robbery
Despite his tomb being definitively located in Turkey, the saint's physical remains are not there today. In 1087, during a period of political and religious turmoil, a group of sailors from Bari, Italy, undertook a daring mission.
Fearing that the tomb would become inaccessible as the Byzantine Empire lost ground to Seljuk Turks, the Italian Catholics stole the bones of St. Nicholas and transported them to Bari. This act, well-documented in historical chronicles, was viewed as a theft by the local Greek Orthodox Christians and Turks.
The relics were later enshrined in the Basilica di San Nicola, a church inaugurated by Pope Urban II, where they have remained for centuries.
Legacy and Lasting Influence of St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas, renowned for his generosity and numerous attributed miracles, is the patron saint of a diverse range of groups, including sailors, children, and merchants. His legendary kindness directly shaped the modern figure of Santa Claus, though other influences like Odin also contributed.
While most of his remains are in Bari, a single chronicle indicates that Venetian crusaders took minor bone fragments to Venice. Furthermore, in 2017, some relics were temporarily loaned from Bari to Moscow, highlighting the enduring global reverence for the saint.
This archaeological find in Turkey provides a tangible link to the historical figure behind the festive myth, separating the man from the legend and shedding new light on a story that has captivated the world for generations.
