by Elif, age 8, asks Noel Baba did you come from Turkey, since that’s where Saint Nicholas was born?, about the Bosphorus Strait, and the historical bishop of Myra
Dear Noel Baba,
My name is Elif and I am 8 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, did you come from Turkey, since that’s where Saint Nicholas was born?
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 lokum, Turkish delight, and tea.
Love, Elif, age 8, Istanbul, Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey
From the Desk of Noel Baba
Dear Elif, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Did you come from Turkey, since that’s where Saint Nicholas was born?
Exactly right. My roots are planted firmly in Turkish soil, in the town of Myra on the southern coast, where the real Saint Nicholas lived his life.
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, Elif.
Ho ho ho, Noel Baba
