Santa Claus was from Turkey?

Juan Cole 12/25/2010

The modern Turkish town of Demre is on the site of Myra, the birthplace of Saint Nicholas, whom the world now calls Santa Claus. If they are smart, they’ll build a huge amusement park and resort on the theme!

Turkey map showing Demre — Map of Turkey Showing Demre

A biography of the generous fourth-century saint is here.

Demre, Turkey

Here is a video on Saint Nicholas and Demre:

About the Author

Juan Cole is the founder and chief editor of Informed Comment and Richard P. Mitchell Professor of History at the University of Michigan. He is author of, among many other books, Muhammad: Prophet of Peace amid the Clash of Empires. Follow him at @jricole.