Istanbul

Christmas - A Western Tradition?

Christmas - A Western Tradition?

Everyone is familiar with the traditional European Christmas, and of course a jolly St. Nicholas. However, many are unaware of its Eastern origins. Saint Nicholas, a bishop known for his fabled practice of giving gifts in secret, was actually born in modern-day Turkey. In fact, only about a day’s journey away, this primarily Western tradition is being slowly adopted in Turkey, the so-called bridge between Europe and Asia.