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Diyarbakir has unveiled Türkiye’s largest and most comprehensive exhibition dedicated entirely to fake archaeological objects, bringing together 593 counterfeit pieces seized in anti-smuggling operations carried out by police and gendarmerie teams over different years. The new display at the Diyarbakir Museum aims to show visitors how difficult it can be to distinguish forgeries from genuine artefacts, even for trained eyes.
The exhibition occupies a specially prepared thematic space on the lower floor of the museum’s thematic gallery, where counterfeit coins, statues, pottery, beads and many other object types are presented across a wide range of sizes and historical styles. All pieces were examined by museum specialists and restorers after being confiscated by security units, and were later prepared for display.
According to museum officials, many of the items had been used in past fraud schemes and had changed hands repeatedly before being seized. By opening the collection to the public, the museum seeks to raise awareness of fake artefacts and the wider problem of illicit trafficking.
Acting Museum Director Mujdat Gizligol said the Ickale complex consists of 14 historical buildings, one of which functions as the museum’s thematic gallery and education centre. The space hosts workshops designed for children and school groups, offering early-age exposure to cultural heritage and heritage crimes.
Gizligol explained that 593 counterfeit artefacts now form a dedicated display within the learning area, allowing schoolchildren and visitors to walk through Türkiye’s most comprehensive fake-artefact exhibition to date. He noted that most pieces are close imitations of real objects in the museum’s own collection, demonstrating how forgeries span everything from coins and figurines to ceramics and decorative beads.
Gizligol underlined that distinguishing fake artefacts from authentic ones often requires specialist expertise, a point made clear to visitors when viewing the objects up close. He added that Türkiye continues to face widespread issues involving both fake artefact trafficking and the smuggling of genuine antiquities.
The museum hopes the new exhibition will strengthen public understanding of these challenges and encourage greater vigilance. By doing so, officials aim to support broader efforts to safeguard Türkiye’s cultural heritage for future generations.
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