It’s That Time of Year Again
Christmas may not be a national holiday in Turkey--most of its people are Muslim. But one of the most famous symbols of the season came from the small Turkish town of Myra (now Demre).
He’s best known as Santa Claus.
As the story goes, it was about the year 300 when the very charitable man became legendary for helping children of all religions, said Ergun Kirlikovali of the American-Turkish Assn.
The association encourages Christmas shoppers to attend its annual festival and bazaar Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some of the 29 Turkish civilizations will be represented, among them the Ottoman Empire, the Assyrians and the Seljuks. There will be Turkish food, folk dancers, children’s activities, rugs, leather goods, copper and more.
The festivities take place at the National Guard Armory, 552 36th St., Manhattan Beach. Admission is free. For information, call (714) 858-4047, Ext. 13.
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