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Seven archaeological artifacts, including rare votive figurines with gilded faces and belts dating back to the Bronze Age, have been officially returned to Türkiye from Switzerland, as part of an ongoing cultural cooperation between the two nations. The handover ceremony took place at the Turkish Embassy in Bern, marking yet another milestone in Türkiye’s efforts to recover looted heritage.
The artifacts were recovered through the initiative of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the collaborative legal process initiated by Swiss authorities in the canton of St. Gallen.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Sebnem Incesu expressed her gratitude for hosting the return of the archaeological pieces, seized by Swiss officials during a criminal investigation. She highlighted the significance of a bilateral agreement signed on Nov. 15, 2022, between Türkiye and Switzerland aimed at preventing the illegal import, transit, and return of archaeological cultural properties.
"This agreement forms the foundation of a long-term cooperation between our countries' cultural institutions," Incesu said, emphasizing her satisfaction with the latest results of this partnership. She acknowledged that the repatriation of looted cultural assets is often a complex process requiring the involvement of multiple parties and extended thanks to the Swiss authorities.
“We appreciate Switzerland's effective system in combating the illicit trade in cultural goods. From the investigation to the final return, the contribution of Swiss officials has been instrumental,” she said, voicing her hope that this collaboration would set a strong example for international efforts.
Fabienne Baraga, head of the Competence Centre for the International Transfer of Cultural Property at the Swiss Federal Office of Culture, echoed the spirit of shared commitment. In her speech, she praised the fruitful results of bilateral cooperation and highlighted that both Türkiye and Switzerland are signatories to the 1970 UNESCO Convention, which combats illegal import, export, and transfer of cultural property.
"The true value of a cultural object can only be appreciated in its original context and traditional environment,” said Baraga. “Looting and illegal trade sever this connection, representing a great loss not only to the source countries' archaeology but also to collective human memory.”
She added: “It brings me extraordinary happiness to witness the tangible results of our partnership. The return of these artifacts to their rightful place is an honor.”.
The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued a statement detailing the repatriation process. According to the statement, the artifacts were confiscated during a criminal investigation in Switzerland’s St. Gallen canton. Upon expert analysis, the items were confirmed to be of Turkish origin and determined to have been smuggled abroad.
“The fight against cultural property smuggling remains one of Türkiye’s top international cultural policy priorities,” the ministry noted. “Following the identification of the artifacts’ origins, detailed reports were quickly prepared and shared with Swiss authorities, who responded with cooperation and transparency.”
The swift repatriation was hailed as a direct outcome of Türkiye’s proactive engagement and the meticulous coordination between Swiss and Turkish institutions.
After their return, the artifacts will undergo scientific analysis in specialized laboratories. The Mmnistry stated that findings will later be shared with the public, and the artifacts will be preserved in museums under its supervision.
Officials from both the Swiss Federal Office of Culture and the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism attended the ceremony, along with Türkiye's Embassy Press Counselor Bayram Altug and other diplomats.
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