by Zeynep, age 9, asks Noel Baba do you come down the chimney?, about the Bosphorus Strait, and the historical bishop of Myra
Dear Noel Baba,
My name is Zeynep 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, do you come down the chimney?
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 and a cup of Turkish coffee.
Love, Zeynep, age 9, Istanbul, Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey
From the Desk of Noel Baba
Dear Zeynep, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do you come down the chimney?
Chimney first, my usual entrance here, with other quiet means available where one is not around.
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, Zeynep.
Ho ho ho, Noel Baba
