St Nicholas' remains discovered: is Santa Claus real?
- Archaeologists discovered a limestone sarcophagus believed to hold the remains of St Nicholas.
- The tomb was found in the ruins of an ancient basilica submerged by rising sea levels during the Middle Ages.
- This discovery may confirm the long-held belief that St Nicholas was buried at the church built in his honor.
In recent archaeological digs in Turkey, researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by finding what is believed to be the tomb of St Nicholas, who inspired the modern Santa Claus. The excavation team uncovered a limestone sarcophagus beneath a church, specifically in the remains of an ancient basilica that was submerged by rising sea levels during the Middle Ages. Historical context reveals that after the basilica's submersion, the Church of Saint Nicholas was constructed to safeguard the saint's burial site. This church served as a significant place of worship for Orthodox Christians from the 5th to the 12th centuries, suggesting the spiritual importance of St Nicholas in the region. The sarcophagus was located within a structure adjacent to the church's courtyard, and efforts to uncover it were guided by the goal of finding inscriptions that could clarify the burial's date and identify the remains. Notably, it is generally accepted that St Nicholas was originally buried at this site; however, the exact location of his remains has long perplexed historians and archaeologists. The current investigation, led by Associate Professor Ebru Fatma Findik from Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, points to the belief that they are nearing the end of a long quest for the saint's sacred remains. Historical records provide some evidence regarding the fate of St Nicholas’s bones, noting that they were possibly stolen in 1087 and taken to the Italian city of Bari by merchants. However, recent archaeological assertions suggest the possibility that these bones may not belong to St Nicholas, but rather to another unnamed priest, fueling renewed interest in finding his True resting place. As research continues, the excavation not only hopes to recover the tomb and its secrets but also sheds light on the legendary figure who is credited with various miracles and acts of generosity, which eventually contributed to the legacy of Santa Claus. This discovery is part of broader efforts to preserve and understand Turkey's rich historical heritage, especially regarding UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Church of St Nicholas that plays a pivotal role in the narrative of the region's religious and cultural history.