by Ipek, age 8, asks Noel Baba do you visit all children, or only Christians in Turkey?, about the Bosphorus Strait, and the historical bishop of Myra
Dear Noel Baba,
My name is Ipek 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, do you visit all children, or only Christians in Turkey?
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 Turkish coffee.
Love, Ipek, age 8, Istanbul, Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey
From the Desk of Noel Baba
Dear Ipek, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do you visit all children, or only Christians in Turkey?
I visit any home that welcomes a bit of Christmas cheer, whatever the family’s own faith may be.
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, Ipek.
Ho ho ho, Noel Baba
