Greece returns 1,055 Lydian-era coins to Türkiye

By Derya Gulnaz Ozcan

ATHENS (AA) – Greece has returned 1,055 ancient coins belonging to the ancient Lydian civilization to Türkiye.

The coins, dating from the 7th to the 5th century BC, were handed over to Türkiye's Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy in a ceremony held in Athens on Thursday.

The artifacts were seized by Greek authorities at the Kipi Border Gate while inspecting smuggled goods. Following expert verification of their Anatolian heritage, Türkiye formally requested their return.

“This silver coin collection, which includes examples minted by the Anatolian Lydians—the creators of the world’s first coins—as well as cities like Tarsus, Side, Aspendos, and Soli-Pompeiopolis, is now returning to its rightful land thanks to this remarkable cooperation,” Ersoy said at the handover event.

Ersoy highlighted the importance of the 2013 bilateral agreement between Türkiye and Greece in preventing the illegal trade of cultural artifacts.

He emphasized ongoing collaboration to protect shared cultural heritage, noting the significance of international cooperation in safeguarding such treasures.

In his speech, Ersoy also expressed Türkiye's support for Greece’s efforts to repatriate the Parthenon Marbles from the UK, stressing that cultural heritage should reside in its place of origin.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, for her part, echoed similar sentiments, saying as the country is also affected by artifact smuggling, they are "overjoyed to return these coins to their homeland.”

Mendoni also reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to strengthening ties with Türkiye in the fight against illegal artifact trafficking.