3,059 artifacts returned to the lands they belong to

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced that the return of 3,059 artifacts stolen from Turkey was secured in 2023. In a statement made via social media, Minister Ersoy stated that efforts toward the return of artifacts stolen from Turkey will continue with the same dedication and determination in 2024.

Minister Ersoy stated that thousands of pieces of historical heritage, ranging from imperial statues originating from the Ancient Cities of Perge and Boubon to a stele from Zeugma and artifacts from the Urartian Period, are now being exhibited in the lands where they were born. He noted that the artifacts returned last year included 2,940 coins from Bulgaria, a bronze statue from the United States of America, a tomb stele originating from Gaziantep Zeugma from Italy, bronze vessels, horse harness parts, and a Kusura-type idol from the Urartian period from Switzerland, as well as a deer figurine from the Roman Period.

According to Minister Ersoy's statements, Turkey's efforts regarding the return of its cultural heritage yielded significant results in 2023, and thousands of artifacts were brought back to Turkey from various countries.

Ülkemizden çalınan eserlerimizin iadesi çalışmalarına #2024 yılında da aynı özveri ve kararlılıkla devam edeceğiz. ????

?? 2023 yılında 3 bin 59 eserimizi ait olduğu topraklara kavuşturduk.

Perge ve Boubon Antik Kentleri kökenli imparator heykellerinden Zeugma kökenli stel ile… pic.twitter.com/BjSdjJqhGa

— Mehmet Nuri Ersoy (@MehmetNuriErsoy) January 2, 2024

News Source: 12punto