Historic artifacts returned from U.S to Türkiye

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy shared a post on his social media account about the return journey of historical artifacts from the United States to Türkiye, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

Ersoy stated: “Our cultural assets, including the monumental bronze imperial statue of Boubon origin, a Roman-era portrait of Demosthenes, and artifacts belonging to the Urartian and Lydian civilizations, have completed their journey from New York to Türkiye. These works, which also include a marble column capital depicting Archangel Michael, were returned from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the United States and delivered to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. As a result of the scientific and legal studies carried out, we have reunited these works—heritage of these lands—with their homeland.”

As reported by CE Report, emphasizing that they continue to work decisively in international cooperation to protect cultural heritage and ensure its return to its rightful lands, Ersoy thanked everyone involved in the process, especially the teams of the General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums.

Stolen history returns to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

According to a statement from the ministry, international efforts aimed at protecting Türkiye’s cultural heritage and restoring it to its homeland have reached a new stage.

Following scientific and legal processes carried out in the United States, the historical artifacts returned last week were handed over to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara.

The cultural assets—part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection in New York and including rare pieces from different civilizations—were brought to Türkiye and placed under protection. With their delivery, the long-running restitution process has been effectively completed.

Among the returned works are the monumental bronze imperial statue of Boubon origin, a Roman-era portrait of Demosthenes, artifacts from the Urartian and Lydian civilizations, and a marble column capital depicting Archangel Michael.

These pieces, belonging to different periods and geographies, are considered important examples shedding light on Anatolia’s multilayered history.

The restitution was achieved through scientific examinations, provenance research, and legal proceedings, carried out in coordination with international institutions.

18 Boubon-origin artifacts returned to Türkiye

With this latest return, the total number of Boubon-origin artifacts repatriated to Türkiye has reached 18. It was noted that six of them are monumental imperial statues designed to be larger than life-size.

The process was conducted in close cooperation with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Türkiye also contributed evidence—including witness testimonies and scientific reports—to an investigation launched against a collector in California who initially resisted returning the artifact found in a private collection.

The data showing that the artifact had been illegally excavated from the ancient city of Boubon formed the basis of the investigation, leading to an arrest warrant against the collector.

After attempting legal action against the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and Türkiye, the collector ultimately handed over the artifact to prosecutors and accepted its return to Türkiye due to the strength of the evidence presented.

The investigations also revealed all actors involved in the smuggling process dating back to the 1960s.

Artifacts to be displayed after conservation work

The return of the artifacts is seen as a current reflection of Türkiye’s long-term policy on protecting its cultural heritage.

Thanks to cooperation with international museums and institutions, Anatolian-origin artifacts are being properly evaluated and returned to their place of origin.

The artifacts delivered to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations are expected to be presented to the public after the necessary conservation and scientific studies are completed.