Ceremony held in New York to return Turkish artifacts

A ceremony was held on Sept. 12 in New York for the return of 14 historical artifacts seized in the U.S.

The ceremony, held in the reception hall of the New York Turkish House, was attended by Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Gökhan Yazgı, New York Consul General Ambassador Muhittin Ahmet Hazal, officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, Turkish Airlines (THY) New York Manager Emre İsmailoğlu, and members of the Turkish and U.S. press.

Yazgı thanked the Manhattan District Attorney's Office and his team for their cooperation with Turkish institutions in the seizure of the artifacts and stated that among the 14 artifacts returned, there was a bronze statue and two bronze statue heads originating from the ancient city of Boubon in Burdur.

"I hope that the contribution of the return efforts to the universal culture of humanity will be better understood over time. Cultural heritage is the only way to celebrate and embrace our differences, as well as maintain respect," Yazgı said, sending a message to artifact smugglers with the words "There is no escape."

Yazgı stated that the "dressed bronze woman statue," which is the largest piece among the returned artifacts, was brought to light for the first time, and emphasized the importance of the support provided by American officials, Turkish missions in the U.S. and THY officials in this process.

Consul General Hazal, who recently started working in New York, said that it was his first time attending a handover ceremony where historical artifacts were returned and that he was very impressed.

Stating that although the seized artifacts belong to Türkiye and they are the common history of all humanity living in other...