Türkiye introduces 42 'smuggled' historical artifacts of Anatolian origin repatriated from US, UK

By Ayse Yildiz

ANTALYA, Türkiye (AA) - Türkiye presented on Friday 42 historical artifacts which were brought back to Antalya from the United States and the United Kingdom.

Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism emphasized the continuous and unwavering efforts to combat cultural heritage smuggling and promptly repatriate unlawfully acquired items to their countries of origin.

Through a court order, Türkiye's Ministry of Culture and Tourism successfully repatriated 42 historical artifacts of Anatolian origin from the United States and the United Kingdom. These artifacts were then unveiled at the Antalya Archaeological Museum in a presentation to journalists.

The museum's newly established section showcases various artifacts, including depictions of the young and old likenesses of Roman Emperor Caracalla from the ancient city of Burdur Boubon, a bronze female bust, and a male mask.

Moreover, the exhibit includes Kilia idol heads, which trace back 6,000 years, and a monumental imperial statue from the 2nd century AD. These artifacts originated in the ancient city of Boubon and were transported from England.

The emphasis is placed on the significant value of bronze artifacts, which were melted during the Bronze Age and utilized in crafting various objects. Their enduring nature is attributed to their metallic composition, allowing them to endure to the present day.

Minister Ersoy mentioned during his speech at the artifacts presentation that they had assembled 42 pieces for public viewing after successfully repatriating them from the United States and the United Kingdom following extensive restoration efforts.

Ersoy affirmed: "We are relentlessly continuing our efforts to prevent cultural heritage smuggling and to promptly repatriate artifacts illegally taken to destination countries."

"Among the 41 artifacts brought from the United States to our country are 22 heads of Kilia-type idols. These idols date back to the Chalcolithic Period and are approximately 7,000 years old, providing crucial insights into the culture of the Chalcolithic period in Western Anatolia. It's worth noting that undamaged Kilia-type idols are quite rare, and I would like to remind you that we have successfully repatriated two complete pieces in 2021 and 2023. Kilia idols, recognized as artistic masterpieces of the 20th century by figures like Constantine Brancusi, Amedeo Modigliani, and Henry Moore, have left a lasting impact on the sculptures and paintings of these renowned artists, influencing contemporary art from 7,000 years ago to the present day. This serves as a distinctive example illustrating the influence of our cultural heritage on the world of art," he added.

- Historical artifacts unlawfully taken and stolen from ancient city of Boubon 60 years ago

Ersoy highlighted that the repatriated artifacts include clay vases with a wild goat design from the 7th and 6th centuries BCE, a Kybele head and female bust from the 6th century BCE, a black-figure vase from the late 6th century BCE, a Minerva bust dating to the 2nd century CE, a Silver Kybele Figurine, and bronze helmets resembling Phrygian caps from the late 6th century BCE.

Minister Ersoy conveyed that a significant number of bronze and marble artifacts were illicitly taken on a grand scale during the looting of the ancient city of Boubon in Türkiye six decades ago. He further elaborated as follows:

"These illegally obtained artifacts appear to have primarily entered the United States through an illicit organization, where they were sold to various museums and collections. It is evident that the smuggling operations carried out in the ancient city of Boubon led to these artifacts being illegally transported to the US and sold. As part of the extensive investigation into these smuggling incidents in Boubon Ancient City, I am gratified by the individual repatriation of items. This includes noteworthy pieces such as the Mature Caracalla Head showcased at the New York Metropolitan Museum, the Young Caracalla Head featured at the Fordham Museum, the female head exhibited at the Worcester Museum, the bearded male mask displayed at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and additional fragments linked to Boubon sculptures."

Ersoy emphasized the return of an imperial statue, confirmed to be from the ancient city of Boubon, from England. He also underscored the importance of the repatriation process in comprehending the substantial impact of their collaboration with other nations and the agreements they have endorsed on international public opinion.

Ersoy noted that the statue, auctioned at Christie's Auction House in the United States in 2011, was purchased by a collector. Yet, recent collaborative efforts with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, gaining international media attention, revealed that the collector was aware of the illegal origin of the artifact in his collection in England.
Ersoy stressed the significance of the collaboration between the Directorate General of Smuggling and Organized Crime Control, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, and Homeland Security Investigations, stating:

"We are celebrating the outcomes of the trust-based professional collaboration established among these institutions today. Over the last five years, we have maintained continuous communication with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, focusing on preventing cultural heritage smuggling. This team comprises highly dedicated individuals who conduct their work with utmost ethics, adhering to ethical principles. They not only rectify past mistakes by ensuring the repatriation of illegally removed artifacts to their respective countries but also contribute positively to the international image of the United States in this field. Therefore, I would like to emphasize that the support provided by US authorities to both the Manhattan District Attorney's Office and Homeland Security Investigations in this regard is highly commendable."

Minister Ersoy extended his appreciation to those who played an important role in repatriating the artifacts, underscoring the significance of bolstering public awareness about cultural heritage and the fight against smuggling.

-'We will maintain the partnership between Türkiye and the United States'

The Consul General of the United States in Istanbul, Julie Eadeh, highlighted the significant cultural heritage and resources that Türkiye possesses.

Referring to their agreement to preserve cultural assets, she stated: "Thanks to these bilateral agreements, I believe that this collaboration will continue. The preservation of the past and its transmission to future generations is important not only for Türkiye but also for the entire world. We will continue the excellent partnership and collaboration with Türkiye to preserve cultural heritage."

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi in Istanbul