Ancient marble idol returned from US on display at Troy Museum during Culture Route Festival

Türkiye celebrates a monumental return of cultural heritage as a 6,500-year-old marble idol, previously smuggled out of the country, is now on display at the Troy Museum.

This significant artifact, dating back to 4500 B.C., has been repatriated from the United States and is featured at the Canakkale Culture Route Festival.

Key highlights of Culture Route Festival:

• Historic artifact revealed: The ancient Kilia-type idol from the Middle Chalcolithic period is now available for public viewing. This artifact was one of the key pieces unveiled last year by Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.
• Successful repatriation efforts: Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Batuhan Mumcu highlighted the collaborative efforts with U.S. authorities to recover this valuable piece of Türkiye’s heritage. He praised the ministry’s anti-smuggling department for their relentless work in bringing back numerous artifacts.
• Cultural protection commitment: Funda Kumru Kosar, an archaeologist with the anti-smuggling department, reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to protecting its cultural heritage. “Our country will not tolerate attempts to steal its cultural assets,” she stated.
• Fourth edition of exhibition: The ongoing exhibition, “Refugee Aeneas: Traces of Migration from Myths to the Present,” showcases repatriated cultural artifacts and those recovered from the Canakkale region through successful local law enforcement operations.
• Special recognition: Onur Ozcan Cimen, who discovered a 2,000-year-old Roman coin and generously donated it to the museum, was honored with a tablet PC by Mumcu.

Cultural impact and significance:

The Canakkale Culture Route Festival and the exhibition underscore Türkiye’s dedication to preserving its rich cultural heritage and returning stolen artifacts to their rightful place. The event was attended by notable figures including Selim Terzi, director of the Living Heritage and Cultural Events Department, and professor Rustem Aslan, head of the Troy Excavation Team.

This festival not only celebrates Türkiye’s historical treasures but also highlights the nation’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding its cultural legacy for future generations.

For more updates on Türkiye’s cultural heritage and upcoming events, visit the Canakkale Culture Route Festival.