Demre

He rides a reindeer-drawn sleigh, makes toys in the North Pole with the help of elves and brings gifts to children through chimneys. Father Christmas is an indispensable part of Christmas every year across the world. But little is known that he was a native of what is today Antalya, a tourist hotspot on Turkey's Mediterranean coast.

Turkey's research vessel Oruc Reis has returned to the port of the southern province of Antalya after finishing seismic studies in the eastern Mediterranean, less than two weeks before a European Union summit where the bloc will evaluate possible sanctions against Ankara.

An unearthed inscription in the ancient city of Patara in Turkey's Mediterranean coast, honors the Roman senator Tiberius Claudius Flavianus Titianus Celer.  

Located in the Kaş district of southwestern Antalya province, Patara is known as the capital of the ancient Lycian civilization, which consisted of 23 cities in the middle of the first century BC.

The Demre district of the Mediterranean province of Antalya was seen in a photograph taken from space for the first time.

SpaceX's spacecraft Crew Dragon interlocked with the International Space Base 19 hours after its launch into space on May 30.

In the first photo sent from the space base, Kekova, a prominent holiday spot in Demre was also seen.

From Faralya in Fethiye to Antalya, the Lycian Way never fails to astound the traveler. Boasting some of Turkey's most impressive scenery, the Lycian Way - a flagged trekking route that is the brainchild of English explorer Kate Clow -connects 23 cities from the Lycian civilization along southwest Anatolia's Mediterranean coast.

Christmas, one of the holy days of the Christians, was celebrated with ceremonies held in different provinces of Turkey. 

The ritual in Aya Yorgi Church in the garden of the Fener Greek Patriarchate was administered by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew.

Christmas, one of the holy days of the Christians, was celebrated with ceremonies held in different provinces of Turkey. 

The ritual in Aya Yorgi Church in the garden of the Fener Greek Patriarchate was administered by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew.

Dozens of historical artifacts have been found during an excavation in ancient cities Myra and Andriake. Click through for the story in photos...

2,400-year-old meeting ground has been found during archaeological excavations in the southern province of Antalya's Demre district.

Locals and officials are scratching their heads over the removal of a statue of Santa Claus during construction work at Demre’s central square in the Mediterranean province of Antalya.