Türkiye returns 55 cultural artifacts to Iran

Türkiye returned 55 historical artifacts belonging to Iran. In a ceremony held at Erzurum Archeology Museum, these artifacts were handed over to Iranian authorities per the Agreement on the Prohibition and Prevention of Illegal Import and Export, Transit and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property signed between the two countries.

Artifacts seized during operations

A total of 12 cultural artifacts including a sword from the Sassanid period, statuettes from the bronze and iron ages, bowls, mountain goat and deer figures were seized in operations carried out by law enforcement officers in Erzincan and Erzurum. Investigations revealed that these artifacts were illegally brought to Türkiye from Iran. Some 42 coins from the Antalya Museum Directorate and a bronze jug from the Istanbul Archaeology Museums Directorate were also identified as Iranian origin and included in the return process.

Artifacts handed over to Iranian authorities, Erzurum Archaeology Museum, June 4, 2024. (IHA)

UNESCO convention, cooperation between Türkiye, Iran

The memorandum of understanding signed between Türkiye and Iran under UNESCO's 1970 Convention on Measures to be taken to Prevent the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property played an important role in the return of these artifacts. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism contacted the Iranian authorities and took the necessary diplomatic initiatives for the return of the artifacts.

Iranian and Turkish officials meet for the return of artifacts, Erzurum Archaeology Museum, June 4, 2024. (IHA)

Messages of friendship shared at ceremony

Mohammad Ebrahimi, consul general of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Erzurum and Birol Incecikoz, director general of Cultural Heritage and Museums were present at the ceremony held in Erzurum Archaeology Museum. Erzurum Deputy Governor Mustafa Berk Celik and other officials also attended the ceremony. Incecikoz stated that the delivery of the artifacts will strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries. Ebrahimi thanked everyone who contributed to the return of the artifacts.

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Following the ceremony, the necessary signatures were affixed for the return of the artifacts. The artifacts in the Erzurum Archeology Museum Directorate will be handed over to the Iranian authorities according to the appropriate storage and transportation conditions.

June 05, 2024 11:15 PM GMT+03:00