Stolen goddess figurine from Catalhoyuk returns to Türkiye
The Mother Goddess Figurine, discovered during excavations in the 1960s at Catalhoyuk in Türkiye and later smuggled abroad to be part of the Shelby White collection in the United States, Konya, Türkiye, November 14, 2024. (AA Photo)
A remarkable piece of history has returned to its homeland after decades abroad. The Mother Goddess Figurine, discovered in the 1960s during excavations at the ancient site of Catalhoyuk, has now been brought back to Türkiye after being illegally taken to the United States.
Repatriation efforts led by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism
The figurine was part of the Shelby White collection in the United States, but through the diligent efforts of Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, it was successfully returned.
The figurine, which dates back 9,000 years, has been displayed at several venues, including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, before finding its permanent place in the Konya Museum.
New exhibition in Konya Museum
As part of the International Day Against the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property, the figurine is now being showcased at the Karatay Madrasa Ceramic Art Museum in Konya.
Various officials attended the opening ceremony, including Konya Museums Director, Omer Faruk Turkan.
Preserving rich heritage of Anatolia
In his remarks, Turkan emphasized the importance of preserving the rich cultural heritage of Anatolia: “Anatolian lands are home to many civilizations.”
“It is crucial to protect the works they left behind,” Turkan stated. He went on to explain that the figurine had been illegally taken from the Catalhoyuk site in the late 1960s and had undergone a long and difficult process to be repatriated from the United States.
In addition to the Mother Goddess Figurine, the exhibition also features other artifacts seized by Turkish police and gendarmerie, providing a unique opportunity for the public to explore Türkiye’s cultural history.
The return of the Mother Goddess Figurine marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to repatriate stolen cultural treasures.
It highlights Türkiye’s dedication to preserving and celebrating its rich heritage, ensuring that these invaluable pieces remain in the lands where they belong.
