While Santa Claus is often depicted flying across the night sky on Christmas Eve, a team of archaeologists may have discovered a coffin containing the remains of the saint whose spirit of generosity is still celebrated in the modern world more than 1,600 years later.
“We believe we have encountered a coffin in its place (original position) for the first time,” said Assistant Professor Ebru Fatma Fendik, who heads the excavation team at the Department of Art History at Hatay University Mustafa Kemal.
The discovery was made in the Church of Saint Nicholas in the Demre district of Antalya, Turkey, as part of excavations initiated by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
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The sarcophagus was found in a two-storey church annex, which is believed to be the original burial site of Saint Nicholas, a bishop who lived in the ancient city of Myrna during the 4th century.
During excavations in Türkiye, a coffin was discovered that is believed to be the burial place of Saint Nicholas. (Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey)
“While digging inside the structure, we found a surprising sarcophagus,” Fendik said.
“We work inside the two-storey, 20-metre-long building that borders the church courtyard to the south. This work, within the group of unadorned sarcophagi, is made of local stone and has a slightly raised cylindrical roof.”
The lid has a handle, and the height of the underground part of the coffin, which is about 2 meters long, is estimated at 1.5-2 metres, Fendik said.
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“According to preliminary assessments, its similarity to the types of coffins found in the area is striking,” Fendik added.
The sarcophagus is strikingly similar to those used in the 4th century. (Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey)
She explained to the Turkish News Agency that the exact burial location of Saint Nicholas is still uncertain.
“Some historical sources state that Saint Nicholas was buried near the holy area in the city of Myra,” Fendik told A News.
“The discovery of a sarcophagus near the church, which is believed to be the resting place of Saint Nicholas, could indicate that this site may indeed be the sacred area in question. We can say that we have come up with archaeological evidence that confirms the historical sources about the burial place of Saint Nicholas in the sacred area of the city.
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Before the team reached the sarcophagus, they found other interesting artifacts.
The coffin was discovered in the two-storey building next to the church and is believed to be the burial place of Saint Nicholas. (Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey)
“In addition, many fragments of clay oil lamps and animal bones were discovered before reaching the coffin during excavation,” Fendik said.
Saint Nicholas, known for his generosity, was born in the 3rd century Greek village of Patara, now located on the southern coast of Turkey.
It is said that his wealthy parents died when he was young, and that he used his inheritance to help those in need and suffering, especially children.
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He served as Bishop of Myra and died in 343 AD.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey believes that its team may have discovered the sarcophagus of Saint Nicholas. (iStock | Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey)
About 200 years after his death, his remains were transferred to the Church of St. Nicholas, which was built in his honor.
Fendik said her team is looking forward to gathering more information as excavation continues.
“The fact that a sarcophagus was discovered near the church believed to contain the tomb of Saint Nicholas arouses our great interest,” Fendik said.
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“As part of the project, we will be happy to complete the excavation and restoration of the area where the sarcophagus is located and contribute to tourism in our country.”
