The “sacred bone fragment”, which is said to have been taken from the skeleton of the Bishop of Myra, St. Nicholas (Saint Nicholas), or commonly known as Santa Claus, located in the Demre district of Antalya, was buried in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands.
The bone of St. Nicholas, the “Past Patron” of Amsterdam, which was gifted by the Egmond St. Adalbert Monastery in the north of the Netherlands, was placed in a special section in the Basilica of St. Nicholas opposite Amsterdam Central Station.
Saint Nicholas, known for his generosity and unrequited help, was buried in the church named after him in Myra after he died on December 6, 343.
According to the news in the BBC Turkish, after the Turks entered Anatolia, their bones were taken out of the grave by Italian sailors in 1087 and taken to the city of Bari. Some of these bones were also brought to Egmond Abbey in the Netherlands.
Pathologists examining the bone fragment determined that it really belonged to a human who lived more than a thousand years ago. The remains are thought to be part of the jaw or scapula.
The abbey in Egmond, upon request from Amsterdam, decided to present the bone fragment as a gift. Because Nikolas is the patron saint of Amsterdam.
According to Rob Polet, the deacon of Saint Nicholas Basilica, Nikolas, who comes to the Netherlands as a representative every year in mid-November, also came to Amsterdam, where he was really his protector this time.

‘MIRACLE MIRACLE SANTA FATHER’
Known as the protector of children, sailors and young girls, Santa Claus is known as the “miracle creator” for his unrequited help and making life easier for people in need.
His generosity and unconditional help gradually led to his reputation. He was canonized by the church in 550.
THE CEREMONY OF 5 DECEMBER IS NOT A coincidence
It is no accident that the ceremony is held on December 5. Because this day has been celebrated as Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) Children’s Day for centuries in the Netherlands, Belgium and parts of Germany.
St. Nicholas (Sinterklaas), who came to the Netherlands by steamship in mid-November, travels all over the country, distributing cinnamon cookies, marshmallows and tangerines.
On December 5, called the “gift evening” (Pakjesavond), the children return to Myra by leaving the gifts they deserve in return for being good and studying for 1 year.
The Dutch children put the pictures they made for Sinterklaas and the letter containing the gift list, and the candy and carrots they prepared for Amerigo, the horse in their shoes. These shoes are left in front of the fireplace or the entrance door of the house.
A member of the family or one of the neighbors leaves the sack containing the previously prepared gift packages at the door, rings the bell and runs away. Meanwhile, another family resident receives the letter, picture, candy or carrot inside the shoe. Excitedly running to the door, the children encounter a bag full of gifts and a letter from St. Nicholas’ mouth.
The Dutch who went to this country after the discovery of America continued their Sinterklaas celebrations there. According to a popular belief, the character of Hollywood’s “Santa Claus” was inspired by the celebration of Sinterklaas.