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New Discoveries Shed Light on Saint Nicholas and the Origins of Santa Claus

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  Ongoing excavations at the Saint Nicholas Memorial Museum in Antalya's Demre district continue to reveal significant findings for the Christian world and historical science. Believed to have inspired the modern-day "Santa Claus" character, Saint Nicholas of Myra, a revered bishop, is thought to have been buried near the church constructed in his honor. Archaeological digs around this sacred site have been ongoing since 1989. As part of the “Heritage to the Future” project by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, excavation efforts led by Associate Professor Ebru Fatma Fındık from Hatay Mustafa Kemal University recently uncovered a sarcophagus within a 20-meter-long, two-story structure in the church’s courtyard. Who Was Saint Nicholas? Saint Nicholas, born in the late 3rd century in the ancient region of Lycia (modern-day Demre), was a Christian bishop known for his generosity. Throughout his life, he became a protector of children and a helper to those in need. Acc...
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Archaeological Discoveries at Phaselis: Altar and Votive Statues Unearthed

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  Archaeological Excavations Reveal Sacred Area and Statues in Phaselis Recent excavations at the ancient city of Phaselis, located in Kemer, Antalya, have uncovered a structure believed to be an altar dedicated to Apollo, along with small votive statues depicting figures such as humans and lions. Dating back to the 690s BC, Phaselis is situated at the border of Pamphylia and is one of the last cities of Lycia. The excavation work has gained momentum over the past two years as part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's "Heritage for the Future Project," extending over 12 months. Described as one of the rare ancient cities with three ports, Phaselis has yielded new discoveries under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Erdoğan Aslan. In an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA), Prof. Dr. Aslan noted that the excavations, which began in the 1980s, have made significant progress in the last two years, especially due to the support of Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy. As...
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