U.S. Returns Looted Antiquities Worth Millions to Turkey
Historical Significance of the Artifacts
Over 50 years ago, farmers in southwestern Turkey stumbled upon an extraordinary archaeological discovery at Bubon, an ancient Roman site. The area, believed to have been a shrine honoring the emperor and his family, contained numerous rare bronze statues of Roman emperors and empresses.
The statues, including a headless bronze figure of Emperor Septimius Severus dating to 225 C.E., are considered priceless artifacts providing valuable insights into Roman history and artistic craftsmanship.
Illegal Sale and Smuggling
Tragically, instead of reporting the discovery to authorities as required by law, locals sold the statues, and they were subsequently smuggled out of the country. The looting was driven by commercial interests, with villagers seeking financial gain.
Investigations and Repatriation
Over the decades, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, known for its dedicated Antiquities Trafficking Unit, has played a pivotal role in investigating and prosecuting cases involving the illegal trade in antiquities.
In recent years, the office has intensified its efforts, leading to the seizure of numerous looted artifacts, including several from the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art.
After extensive investigations, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with Turkish authorities, successfully repatriated 12 looted antiquities to Turkey last month. The collection, valued at $33 million, included the headless statue of Septimius Severus, a sculpture of a head dating to 290 C.E., and a bronze head of Caracalla, the eldest son of Septimius Severus.
International Cooperation and Legal Consequences
The repatriation ceremony in New York City was attended by Turkish Consul General Reyhan Ozgur, who emphasized that the return of the artifacts sends a strong message: “Illegal purchase, possession, and sale of cultural artifacts will have consequences.”
The latest repatriation is part of a growing global effort to combat antiquities trafficking and ensure the rightful return of stolen artifacts to their countries of origin.
Role of Farmers and Catalogs
Interestingly, some of the farmers who had been involved in the looting decades ago have assisted investigators in identifying stolen pieces by examining images from catalogs and museum websites. This collaboration has proven invaluable in the recovery of these precious artifacts.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
The return of these looted antiquities to Turkey is a significant victory for cultural heritage preservation. The artifacts not only hold historical and artistic value but also represent the rich cultural identity of Turkey.
By repatriating these stolen treasures, the U.S. and Turkey reaffirm their commitment to protecting and preserving cultural heritage for future generations.