Ancient Urartian treasures rescued from smugglers now on display in Kars, Turkiye
Urartian bronze, copper and silver artifacts recovered from smugglers in Agri are on display at Kars Archeology and Ethnography Museum, Kars, Türkiye, August 4, 2024 (AA Photo)
Urartian-era bronze, copper, and silver artifacts, seized from smugglers in Agri in 2015, are now on display at the Kars Archaeology and Ethnography Museum.
The artifacts are showcased in the museum’s Special Exhibition Area, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the ancient civilization.
According to Hakim Aslan, Acting Director of the Kars Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, these artifacts are attributed to the reign of Urartian King Argisti II (circa 713 B.C.) and are considered a continuation of the Urartian collection returned from Hungary in 2021.
Aslan highlighted the museum’s rich collection, stating, “A significant portion of our museum’s collection consists of Urartian artifacts.
This temporary exhibition includes a range of bronze, silver, and copper items that reflect the art and history of the Urartians.”
The displayed artifacts include kitchenware, weapons, and chariot components.
Aslan noted, “The chariot parts feature religious motifs and scenes of warfare. The artifacts display winged human figures, deity representations, and depictions of battle scenes, showcasing Urartian polytheistic beliefs and their martial culture.”
Aslan expressed the museum’s pleasure in showcasing these artifacts in Kars, emphasizing their role in preserving cultural heritage and combating cultural property smuggling.
