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In a significant development, 1,055 Lydian coins dating from the 7th to the 5th century B.C., which were seized from smugglers, are being returned to Türkiye. According to a report by Salim Uzun from Hurriyet, these ancient coins will be handed over to Türkiye's Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, by Greece's Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, in a ceremony tomorrow.
The coins were discovered during a search at Greece's Kipi Border Crossing, following suspicions raised by authorities. The Greek authorities seized the coins, which spanned a period from the 7th to the 5th century B.C.
After analyzing the images of the artifacts provided by Greek officials, Turkish experts concluded that the entire coin collection originated from Türkiye.
Among the Turkish experts involved in the analysis were Ulku Devecioglu, a numismatist at the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, Ankara, and Assoc. Prof. Huseyin Koker. They identified the coins as belonging to the Lydians, an ancient Anatolian civilization known for minting the first coins.
The collection also included examples of coins minted in other notable Anatolian cities, such as Tarsus, Side, Aspendos, and Soli-Pompeiopolis.
The report highlights the importance of the coins in understanding the role of Anatolia’s coastal regions in Mediterranean trade. These coins underscore the region's significance as a key trade hub during antiquity.
The return of these artifacts is not only a cultural victory but also a reminder of Anatolia's historical importance in the ancient world.
Following the identification of the coins, intense diplomatic efforts were initiated between Turkish and Greek authorities. As a result, the coins will be officially returned tomorrow in a ceremony at the Numismatic Museum of Athens.
The artifacts will then undergo conservation and cleaning at the Istanbul Restoration and Conservation Center and Regional Laboratory. Afterward, they will be displayed at the Istanbul Archaeological Museums.
This successful return of the Lydian coins is part of a broader effort to combat cultural property trafficking. According to Turkish Ministry officials, this exchange sends a strong message about the commitment of both Türkiye and Greece to tackle the illegal trade in cultural heritage.
The cooperation between the countries has led to the return of numerous cultural artifacts. Since 2002, over 13,000 artifacts have been repatriated to Türkiye, including 1,149 items in 2024 alone.
The return of these Lydian coins marks another victory in the ongoing fight against cultural property smuggling. As the communication and collaboration between the cultural heritage units of both Türkiye and Greece continue to grow, the hope is that such exchanges will lead to a reduction in illicit trafficking in the region.
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