First cultural property repatriation to Turkey from Canada completed
Historical manuscripts and artifacts belonging to Turkey, which were seized by court order in Canada, have been returned to Turkey in an official ceremony. This development marks a significant step in cultural cooperation between the two countries.
12punto
Cultural properties belonging to Turkey have been repatriated from Canada. A total of 7 manuscript pages, 2 printed work pages, and 2 modern calligraphy works seized in Canada were delivered to Turkish authorities during a ceremony held last night. This process has been recorded as the first official repatriation of cultural property from Canada to Turkey.
According to information provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the artifacts in question were identified and seized by the Canada Border Services Agency in January 2024 while they were being transported from Istanbul to Vancouver. Subsequently, the process was transferred to the Department of Canadian Heritage, while diplomatic contacts were initiated with Turkish authorities, and technical examinations and legal proceedings were launched.
In light of the comprehensive scientific reports prepared by Turkey and the legal documents submitted, the Federal Court of Canada ruled that the artifacts were cultural properties under Turkish Law No. 2863 and ordered their return to our country.
The delivery of the artifacts took place at an official ceremony held at the Canadian Conservation Institute in Ottawa on March 30. Birol İnceciköz, General Director of Cultural Heritage and Museums, received the artifacts from Canadian officials.
The process also set a remarkable example for the international community. This development, which embodies the international cooperation envisioned by the 1970 UNESCO Convention, was interpreted as a new link in Turkey's struggle to protect its cultural heritage.
COVERS WORKS FROM THE 17TH TO 19TH CENTURIES
It was determined that the vast majority of the repatriated works were produced between the 17th and 19th centuries and contain texts written in Arabic and Ottoman Turkish. The traces of the past are evident in these rare pieces, which shed light on various disciplines, primarily jurisprudence, Sufism, history, and literature.
During expert examinations, it was determined that the manuscript pages had been removed from their original bindings and that modern miniatures had been added to some leaves later. While it was stated that these alterations were made for forgery and commercial purposes, it was noted that the cultural value of the works remained intact.
This court decision also stands out for its potential to set a precedent in cultural property law. It marks the first time that cultural property has been sent to Turkey from Canada through official channels.