Mendoni on the Parthenon Marbles: There is now an international climate favoring the return of stolen cultural treasures

“There are discussions, consultations with the British Museum, and we are engaging in an open dialogue with the entire scientific community. The current climate is positive for all cases of cultural goods being repatriated to their countries of origin,” said Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni this morning regarding the Parthenon Marbles.

As she stated, “There is now an international climate that favors the return of cultural treasures that were stolen and forcibly removed from the soil of a country to their birthplace. This is a moral issue that influences the policies of major museums and cultural policy globally. The issue of the reunification of the Parthenon Marbles remains a constant demand. The entire government is working on this under the guidance of the Prime Minister.”

The Minister of Culture also noted that the Parthenon Marbles issue requires time and emphasized the importance of finding common ground between the two parties without crossing any red lines.

She expressed optimism about the outcome of the case, stating: “Starting with Kyriakos Mitsotakis and including all of us involved, we wouldn’t be working with such dedication, system, and methodical approach if we didn’t truly believe that the Marbles will return to the Attic light.”

Thessaloniki Metro Unearths the City’s Foundations

Lina Mendoni also discussed the archaeological findings in Thessaloniki’s metro, highlighting that the excavations, particularly at the Venizelou station and to a lesser extent at Agia Sofia, revealed the city’s foundational phase. These findings document the city’s establishment in 316 BCE by Cassander in honor of his wife, Thessaloniki, after whom the city is named.

“What was uncovered is the density of the city’s urban fabric through time. Starting from 316 BCE and reaching modern Thessaloniki, up to the 20th century. A cross-section of time was made, revealing these layers. It unveiled the marble-paved and colonnaded squares and streets from the early Byzantine centuries, which we previously had no clear image of. Now, we have a crystal-clear view of Thessaloniki during the Roman era, the early Byzantine period, and the massive transformation of public urban spaces in the 6th century. These historical and archaeological data are of immense significance,” the Minister noted.

Ms. Mendoni emphasized that the metro could not function without the Venizelou station and announced the construction of an additional museum. This museum will house a portion of the mobile findings from the Thessaloniki metro excavations, which number over 300,000.

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