by Leyla from Baku asks Santa about a Christmas song, learns about the Caspian Sea, and hears about Azerbaijan’s small Christian community celebrating quietly and respectfully
Dear Santa, my name is Leyla and I am nine years old. I live in Baku, Azerbaijan, where my nene says our city sits right beside the largest lake in the entire world, even though everyone calls it a sea.
Dear Leyla, your nene is entirely right, and I always find that particular naming puzzle rather charming.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, do you know Christmas shoes lyrics? My aunt abroad mentioned a song with that name and said it always makes her cry.
It is a genuinely touching song, Leyla, though I try not to reproduce the exact words myself, out of respect for the songwriters. What I can say is that it reminds people of what truly matters most during the season.
My second question is about our sea. My teacher says the Caspian Sea is technically the largest lake in the world, even though it is called a sea. Is that true?
It is true, Leyla. The Caspian Sea is fully enclosed by land, which technically makes it the largest lake on Earth, despite its sea-sized name and salty water. Flying along its dark, wide coastline each December is a genuinely impressive part of my route through this region.
My third question is, why does my small Christian family celebrate Christmas quietly at home, since most people in Azerbaijan are Muslim like most of my friends?
Azerbaijan has a history of religious tolerance, Leyla, and its small Christian community is able to celebrate Christmas respectfully, often within homes or churches set aside for that purpose, even though most public life follows different traditions. I have always admired families who keep their own celebrations alive thoughtfully, wherever they are able.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Leyla Aliyeva
Baku, Azerbaijan
P.S. Will you find our quiet little celebration too?
Always, Leyla, with just as much care as any other stop.
