The respected religious personality of Saint Nicholas, who was born in Patara and became a bishop in Myra in the second half of the 3rd century AD, made him a saint after his death and became the most popular saint of many European countries, especially the old Russian Empire. Respected in Freiburg in Germany, Bari and Naples in Italy and the whole Sicily island, St. Nicholas was recognized as Santa Klaus in the Dutch and English languages, and thanks to these, he was also loved in America and considered one of the saints who protected New York. In the northern countries of Europe, the tradition of Santa Claus, the protector and delight of children, was integrated with the belief of Saint Nicholas, resulting in the creation of a semi-religious and very popular legendary type. It is understood from the fact that the origin of this type is taken from the ancient beliefs of the northern countries, from the fact that Santa Claus travels with a sled pulled by deer. However, the places where the real Saint Nicholas of Myra lived are the Mediterranean coasts that never see snow. His protective personality of his troubled children turned into a sympathetic oldie who is believed to bring gifts on Christmas nights.

As Saint Nicholas, especially the Eastern Mediterranean sailors respected him, and his official or icon was hanged on all small and large boats, and it was a tradition to wish "St. St. Nicholas Church, an important monument of Byzantine art history, is the most distinguished example of the Middle Byzantine Period with its architectural style and decoration. BUSINESS. In the 5th century, the fact that Myra (Demre) was the capital of the Lycian state and the Archbishop of Myra was the second largest religious authority of Anatolia, played a major role in the increase of the city's prestige in the years after the death of Saint Nicholas. After the death of the people of Myra, first a monument and then a big basilica were built in the name of Aziz, and in this period a large church was built in Istanbul in the name of Aziz. The basilica in Myra was heavily damaged in the 8th century as a result of earthquakes and raids to the city, and was rebuilt as a domed church in the 9th century.

Later additions took place during the Middle Byzantine period in the 11th century. Emperor IX of the most important repair of this period in 1042. It is known to have been built by Konstantin and his wife Zoe. Most of the wall frescoes and floor mosaics belong to this period. The church, which was destroyed for various reasons over the centuries, was repaired by the Russian Tsar Nicholas I in 1862. The bell tower and the new central dome additions with carinated bones belonging to this restoration, which deviated considerably from its original plan, are the products of these works. There are many buildings built at different times on the original foundations of the current church. Thus, the church looks like a complex built in various periods.