45 artifacts returned to Türkiye in 2024

In a significant stride against cultural property smuggling, Türkiye successfully repatriated 45 historical artifacts from abroad this year, reaffirming its commitment to preserving its rich heritage.

Zeynep Boz, the head of the Anti-Smuggling Department at the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums of the Culture and Tourism Ministry, stated that these repatriations in 2024 enriched Türkiye's cultural property collection.

Boz emphasized that a significant collection of 45 artifacts was brought back to Türkiye in 2024. She noted that since 1980, 25,554 artifacts and since 2002, 12,164 artifacts have been repatriated to the country.

Highlighting the enrichment of the collection with this year's repatriations, Boz said: "Among these artifacts, there are notable items that have significantly enriched our collections. These include the 'Kore torso' originating from the ancient city of Miletus, repatriated from England, a monumental bronze female statue recently returned from the United States and two emperor busts. Additionally, a Quran copied by Mustafa Dede and brought back from England, dating to the reign of Abdulhamid II, is among the returns that pleased us greatly. Furthermore, a bust of Alexander the Great was voluntarily returned from France."

Boz also highlighted the significance of the repatriation of the bronze kline, which was illegally excavated during unauthorized digs in Manisa in 1979 and later smuggled out of Türkiye. This item was returned following negotiations with the J. Paul Getty Museum this year.

"Bronze klinai [reclining couches] were not present in Türkiye's collections, as bronze is a material that rarely survives to the present day. It was often melted down for reuse due to its economic...