Myra

Today, the Orthodox Church celebrates the memory of St. Nicholas of Myra, known as the Wonderworker, with a holiday widely referred to as St. Nicholas Day or in Bulgaria: "Nikulden"/"Никулден". One of Christianity's most venerated saints, St. Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, fishermen, and maritime professionals, including captains, engineers, and dock workers.

The Heritage to the Future Project in Andriake, the port area of the ancient city of Myra located in Antalya's Demre district, focuses on completing the walking route within the port and safeguarding the structures in the port center through conservation efforts.

During the excavations carried out in the ancient city of Andriake, the port neighborhood of the ancient city of Myra in Antalya's Demre district, interior decoration panels made with the Millefiori (thousand flowers) technique have been unearthed.

The route of the highway project planned in the western districts of Antalya, Kaş and Demre, have caused controversy. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report of the highway project, which is to affect historical and natural areas such as Kekova, Myra, and Andriake Kaputaş Canyon rock tombs, states that more than 66,000 trees on the route will be cut down.

Bulgarians across the country observed the Day of Saint Nicholas on December 6, known as Nikulden, commemorating the revered figure of St. Nicholas of Myra. Originating from Patara in Asia Minor in the 3rd century, St. Nicholas led a pious life, aiding the destitute and weak while embodying the principles of faith and truth.

The white-bearded Christian saint whose acts of generosity inspired America's secular Santa Claus figure is known worldwide - but Saint Nicholas' origin story is not.

The legends surrounding jolly old St Nicholas - celebrated annually on December 6 - go way beyond delivering candy and toys to children.

WHO WAS ST NICHOLAS?

The Kekova region, or Sunken City, which has remained under the sea after two major earthquakes in the sixth century in the Mediterranean, is a frequent destination for hundreds of local and foreign tourists every year.

Saint Nicholas served as Bishop of Myra until his death and burial there in A.D. 343

Thousands of pieces that have been unearthed during the Myra and Andriake excavations in the southern province of Antalya's Demre district are being put together.

"This work we are doing is like digging in an office. Thousands of pieces are being completed like a big ancient puzzle," said the head of excavations Professor Nevzat Çevik.

Thousands of Bulgarians have a name day today, sailors and bankers celebrate as well, the Church honors St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker of Myra. St. Nicholas Day is also the day of the Bulgarian city Burgas.

The name means "winner", name day celebrate people with the names: Nikola, Nikolay, Nikolina, Nikoleta, Nina, Kolyo and their derivatives.