Another historical artifact has regained the land it belongs to. The Zeugma Grave Stele, which was smuggled from Gaziantep to Italy 33 years ago, has returned to its homeland. Speaking at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said, “Every work is meaningful in its own homeland.”
The 1800-year-old Zeugma Tomb Stele was stolen from the ancient city of Zeugma in Gaziantep 33 years ago. Traced, it turned out to be in Italy.
The Ministries of Culture and Tourism and Foreign Affairs stepped in for the return of the historical stele. The stele, which was smuggled abroad, returned to the lands it belonged to.
“We have ensured the return of 12 thousand 16 works in the last 20 years”
The returned ancient stele was opened to visitors at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum with a ceremony attended by the Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Ersoy used the following statements:
“Indeed, a unique heritage has returned to the land where its existence found purpose and meaning. Dozens of artifacts have been returned to our country. Among them are Bronze Lucius Verus and Septimius Severus Statue looted from the Bubon Ancient City in Burdur province, Perge-origin sarcophagus fragments, and kilia type idols. Within the scope of this cooperation with the USA, we expect new returns to be provided in the future. When we look at the general figure, we have ensured the return of 12 thousand 16 works from different countries in the last 20 years.”
Minister Ersoy also visited the calligraphy exhibition within the framework of the program.
