by Deniz, age 9, asks Noel Baba are you the same person as the historical Saint Nicholas?, about the Bosphorus Strait, and the historical bishop of Myra
Dear Noel Baba,
My name is Deniz and I am 9 years old. I live in Istanbul, Turkey, where my dede likes to remind me every December that the very first Santa Claus story actually started right here in our own country.
First, are you the same person as the historical Saint Nicholas?
Second, a geography question: what strait divides Istanbul between two continents?
Third, a school question about my country: why was Saint Nicholas so important in Myra long ago?
I left you baklava and a small glass of Turkish tea.
Love, Deniz, age 9, Istanbul, Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey
From the Desk of Noel Baba
Dear Deniz, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Are you the same person as the historical Saint Nicholas?
In a very real sense, yes. My story traces directly back to Saint Nicholas, the historical bishop, whose kindness became legendary and grew over centuries into the figure children write to today.
What strait divides Istanbul between two continents?
Istanbul sits along the Bosphorus Strait, a narrow, busy waterway that splits the city between Europe on one side and Asia on the other, which means I technically cross continents every single time I fly over.
Why was Saint Nicholas so important in Myra long ago?
Saint Nicholas served as the bishop of Myra in the fourth century, part of the Roman Empire at the time, and he became famous for quietly giving away his wealth to help the poor and protect children. Stories of his secret generosity spread throughout the region and, eventually, across the entire world.
Iyi Noeller, Deniz.
Ho ho ho, Noel Baba
