by Selin, age 9, asks Noel Baba your name means Father Christmas in Turkish. Are you like Santa Claus?, about the Bosphorus Strait, and the historical bishop of Myra
Dear Noel Baba,
My name is Selin 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, your name means Father Christmas in Turkish. Are you like Santa Claus?
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 a small plate of Turkish sweets and tea.
Love, Selin, age 9, Istanbul, Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey
From the Desk of Noel Baba
Dear Selin, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Your name means Father Christmas in Turkish. Are you like Santa Claus?
Exactly that, the very same generous spirit, simply dressed in the Turkish language, with roots that trace back further than almost anywhere else.
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, Selin.
Ho ho ho, Noel Baba
