Medieval mummy seized in Türkiye’s Nigde as authorities bust smuggling ring
A mummy determined to date back to the medieval period was seized in an operation carried out by gendarmerie teams in Nigde, Türkiye. (IHA Photo)
Six suspects attempting to sell an ancient mummy believed to belong to a Christian individual from the medieval period have been detained in Nigde‘s Bor district, authorities confirmed.
The Provincial Gendarmerie Command’s Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Division launched an operation in the Kemerhisar town of Bor district, targeting historical artifact smugglers.
During the raid, officers discovered a well-preserved male-looking mummy inside the residence of a suspect identified as H.G. Initial assessments suggest the relic dates back to the Middle Ages and belonged to a Christian individual.
The suspects were taken into custody, and investigations into the smuggling network remain ongoing.
Governor praises successful operation
Nigde Governor Cahit Celik shared footage of the operation on social media, commending law enforcement officers for their dedication to protecting Türkiye’s cultural heritage.
“We extend our gratitude to our Gendarmerie for their devoted efforts in preserving our nation’s cultural heritage. We reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding our historical assets with unwavering determination,” Celik stated.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to preventing the illegal trafficking of historical artifacts, emphasizing the importance of preserving Türkiye’s rich cultural legacy for future generations.
