Born in Patara and bishop of Myra in the second half of the third century AD, St Nicholas was a respected religious figure canonized posthumously. St Nicholas became the most popular saint in many countries of Europe, especially in the former Tsardom of Russia.

In the northern countries of Europe, the tradition of Santa Claus, the protector, and giver of joy to children, was integrated into the belief in St Nicholas, leading to the creation of a semi-religious and trendy legendary figure.

The Church of St Nicholas is an important monument of Byzantine art history and the most outstanding example of the Middle Byzantine Period with its architectural style and ornamentation. The fact that Myra (Demre) was the capital of the province of Lycia in the fifth century AD, and the Archbishop of Myra was the second largest religious authority in Anatolia, played a significant role in increasing the prestige of the city in the years after the death of St Nicholas.