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Researchers believe they have found the sarcophagus of St. Nicholas, known as the “real Santa Claus,” in an annex of an ancient church in Türkiye, revealing more about his history.
A sarcophagus was unearthed by archaeologists during excavations at the historic Church of St. Nicholas, located in Demre, Turkey. Turkeyuia, revealing new clues about the past of this iconic site. The church is believed to be close to the burial place of Saint Nicholas, the bishop of Mira who inspired the figure of Santa Claus.
Saint Nicholas is widely considered to be the main inspiration for the modern figure of Santa Claus. He was a bishop who lived in the 4th century in what is now Turkey and is known for his generosity and miracles attributed to him.
The most famous legends involve his helping poor families, such as the story of him leaving gold coins in the homes of three sisters so that they could marry, avoiding slavery.
The excavations, which have been ongoing for decades, continue to yield important discoveries. This time, the find was made in the two-story annex of the church, where archaeologists have been working since 1989.
A historic discovery
The project, led by Associate Professor Ebru Fatma Findik of Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, is part of the “Legacy Project for the Future”, coordinated by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
After two years of intensive excavations, a sarcophagus made of local limestone, approximately two meters long, was revealed.
Partially buried between 1,5 and 2 meters below ground, the sarcophagus has a raised lid and a sloping roof, typical features of the region.
According to Findik, evidence such as animal bones and fragments of clay lamps already pointed to the possibility of a burial site.
Registrations can bring crucial answers
The team is now focusing its efforts on searching for inscriptions on the sarcophagus. This information could reveal important details about the deceased and help to accurately date the find.
"Our greatest hope is to find an inscription on the sarcophagus. This would help shed light on the contents of the burial and allow us to determine the exact period to which it dates.”, said Findik.
So far, only a portion of the burial chamber has been exposed. In the coming months, excavations are expected to reveal more details about the sarcophagus and its possible occupant.
After all, the tomb of Saint Nicholas?
The discovery of the sarcophagus has revived hopes that it could be the final resting place of St. Nicholas. Historians have long debated where the saint's tomb might be, with many suggesting it was near the ancient city of Myra.
The location of the sarcophagus, close to the church built over what is believed to be the bishop's burial place, strengthens this theory.
"Some sources suggest that Saint Nicholas was buried near the sacred area of the city of Myra. The fact that we found a sarcophagus near the church, which is historically associated with his tomb, may indicate that this is the sacred area mentioned in ancient texts.”, commented Findik.
Impact on history and archaeology
The discovery marks a major breakthrough in archaeology and offers new insights into a central figure in early Christianity. As excavations continue, researchers hope to answer questions that have puzzled historians for centuries.
The Church of St. Nicholas, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, is a cultural and historical landmark. Every year, it attracts thousands of visitors, especially from Russia, consolidating its role as an important destination for religious tourism.
A priceless treasure
The discovery of the sarcophagus not only sheds light on the history of the site, but also brings researchers closer to solving the mystery of Saint Nicholas’ burial. This discovery reinforces the importance of preserving and exploring archaeological sites that help tell stories that are fundamental to humanity.
As new evidence emerges, hopes of finding definitive answers about the tomb of Saint Nicholas are growing. The next stages of the excavations promise to reveal even more secrets that have been kept hidden for a long time.
