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 Apart
from biblical references, Patara is also an old
settlement on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.
This region boasts thousands of years of history,
breathtaking scenery and hundreds of miles of
unspoiled coastline. 2000 years ago Patara was
the largest and most important sea port of the
Lycian civilisation. It was the capital of the
Lycian League which was the first example of
democratic constitution in world history.
Mythology tells us Apollo was born here and it
is also said to be the birthplace of Bishop
Nicholas of Myra. Patara is also used as a name
and it is thought this name has been used by
people who set out from Patara in Lycian times
to other parts of Asia. The name has also been
found as far down as India, where it is thought
these early migrants assimilated with the Indus
Valley (most likely Aryan) inhabitants. In the
northern province of Punjab, India, a village
exists bearing the name Patara, mostly consists
of residents with the last name Khun Khun.
Residents who emmigrate from Patara normally
take on the name of the village as their last
name in memory of their beloved town. Today,
Pataras can be found all over the world.
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