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Archaeologists working at the St. Nicholas Church in Demre, Antalya, Turkey, have uncovered a sarcophagus that may provide new insights into the final resting place of St. Nicholas, the historical figure behind the legend of Santa Claus. This discovery, made in the church’s two-story annex, marks a significant step forward in understanding the ancient site, which has been under excavation since 1989.
The excavation, led by Associate Professor Ebru Fatma Findik from Hatay Mustafa Kemal University as part of the “Legacy for the Future Project,” uncovered a limestone sarcophagus measuring approximately two meters in length. Partially buried 1.5–2 meters underground, the sarcophagus features a raised lid and a pitched roof, characteristic of burial practices in the region. Earlier discoveries in the area, including animal bones and fragments of clay lamps, suggested the site was used for burials.
The research team hopes to find inscriptions on the sarcophagus that could identify the deceased and establish the artifact's historical timeline. Although only part of the burial chamber has been excavated so far, the lid of the sarcophagus has been uncovered, and further exploration is expected to yield additional details.
The proximity of the sarcophagus to the St. Nicholas Church, believed to be located near the burial site of the revered Bishop of Myra, lends credibility to theories that the tomb may belong to St. Nicholas. Historical sources suggest that he was buried near a sacred area in Myra, and the latest discovery aligns with these accounts. Professor Findik noted that this finding could provide archaeological evidence supporting long-held historical claims about St. Nicholas’ burial site.
This groundbreaking discovery has sparked interest among historians, archaeologists, and religious scholars, as it may offer fresh insights into the life and legacy of one of Christianity's most iconic figures. The St. Nicholas Church, already recognized as a cultural and religious treasure on UNESCO’s Tentative Heritage List since 2000, continues to attract thousands of visitors annually, particularly faith tourists and Russian pilgrims.
As excavation efforts proceed, researchers aim to unravel more mysteries surrounding the church and its connection to St. Nicholas, potentially solving the long-standing enigma of his final resting place.
With information from Türkiye Today.
