| PATARA SELECTION |
|
|
 |
| MAIL LIST |
|
|
|
| CONTACT |
PK 10 Kalkan, Antalya - Turkey
Tel: +90 242 844 39 20 (8 lines)
Fax: +90 242 844 39 30
Email:
|
|
|
Start Page |
 Türkçe |
Site Map |
Links |
Contact |
Reservation Request
|
Application for a Job
|
 |
DEMRE & ST. NICOLAS |
 |
Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Noel
Baba... whatever you call the beloved symbol of Christmas,
you probably imagine him living in the North Pole,
surrounded by elves and reindeer.
But the real St. Nicholas lived in a warm, sunny town on the
Mediterranean Sea, in what is now Turkey.
St. Nicholas, born in 245 AD in Patara near Fethiye died in
363 AD., having spent his life in Anatolia. He lived during
the 4th century in Lycia, a province in the south-west of
Asia Minor. When he was young, his father died and left
Nicholas a great fortune. Instead of spending it on himself,
Nicholas started anonymously giving the money to the needy,
especially children. He traveled to Egypt and Palestine as a
young man.
Nicholas eventually became the Bishop of Myra ( modern day
Demre in Turkey ). As the Bishop of Demre, by his religious
and social work, he solved the problems of the people in a
humane way. Because of the assistance he rendered to those
around him, St. Nicholas was known as the protector of
children and sailors, and to this day the legend of Father
Christmas continues to live as vividly as ever.
After he died he was buried in Demre and a church was built
there in his memory. Devotion to him spread throughout the
Christian world, and he was chosen to be patron saint of
Russia and Greece. Thousands of churches throughout Europe
have been named for him. In 1087 Italian pirates stole some
of bones and took them to Bari which became a crowded
pilgrimage center in his honor. In their haste they left a
few behind and these are today on display in the Antalya
Museum.
He was credited with many miracles including saving sailors
from drowning and resurrecting three boys who had been
killed by an evil butcher. In one story he saved three
officers from death by appearing to Constantine in a dream.
In another legend he provided bags of gold to a poor man as
dowries for his three daughters. Today, St. Nicholas is the
patron saint of children, sailors, teachers, students and
merchants.
In a number of countries the death of St. Nicholas on 6
December is commemorated by special ceremonies and by giving
presents to children, and in fact it takes on the
significance of a new year.
It was in the years 1951-55 that it was realized that St.
Nicholas was Santa Claus ( or Father Christmas ) and this
drew a lot of attention to Turkey, with articles in the
papers and items on the radio, and in 1955 a Father
Christmas stamp was issued. After that date celebrations for
Father Christmas started to be held regularly. The first
Father Christmas symposium ever was held in Antalya between
5-7 December 1983. This is now held annually and is attended
by religious and scientific people from all over the world.
At these symposia, and in keeping with Anatolias St.
Nicholas' love of humanity, a call is made to people of
different religions and beliefs for peace, friendship and
brotherhood. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| NEWS SPOT |
Italian Government Presents Highest Order of Merit to Patara Prince
 Architect
Turhan Kâşo, chairman of our Board of Directors, was presented with the Highest
Order of Merit by Mr. Giorgio Napolitano, the Italian President in recognition
of Patara Prince, Club Patara Houses featuring a unique architecture and design
that combines Turkish style with the Mediterranean culture and for his other
projects bearing the traces of the Mediterranean style. During the ceremony held
at the Italian Palace in Istanbul, Ambassador Mr. Carlo Marsili presented the
Highest Order of Merit to Turhan Kâşo.
|
Patara Prince Special
 We
are proud to announce that Patara Resort, a Mediterranean classic, is now a
registered "Private Resort" , with the certification granted by Ministry of
Culture and Tourism. The certification was granted as a recognition of its
unique architectural designs blending natural elements, famous and breath-taking
Patara gardens, its blue-flagged turquoise sea with crystal clear waters, first
class restaurants offering delicious treats and spectacular Mediterranean views
at the same time and private services customized according to the requests of
its guests. |
|
| WEATHER CHANNEL |
|
|
|
| BLUE FLAG |
Patara Prince is Blue Flag awarded. |
|
|
|
