URARTU Carpet

St. Nicholas born in 245 A.D. in Patara near Fethiye (Known variously as St. Nicholas, Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Pere Noel) and died in 363 A.D., having spent his life in Anatolia. Son of a wealthy family and of good education, he devoted himself to mankind. Because of the assistance he rendered to those around him, St. Nicholas was known as the protector of children and sailors and to thisday the legend of Father Chiristmas continues to live as vividly as ever. As the Bishop of Demre, by his religious and social work, he solved the problems of the people in a humane way. After he died he was buried in Demre and a church was built there in his memory. In 1080 Italian pirates stole some of his bones and took them to Bari. In their haste they left a few behind and these are today on display in theAntalya Museum. The first Father Christmas symposium ever was held between 5-7 December 1983.This symposium is now held annually and is attended by people of religion and science from all over theword. At these syposia and in keeping with Anadolia's St. Nicholas love of humanity, a call is made topeople of different religions and beliefs for peace, friendship and brotherhood.