Greece returns 1,055 artifacts to Turkey

'In a remarkable gesture of cooperation and respect for shared cultural heritage, Greece has returned 1,055 ancient coins to Turkey. This marks the first time the two countries have engaged in such a cultural repatriation, highlighting the growing importance of collaboration in preserving history.

The journey of these coins back to their homeland began in July 2019, when Greek customs officials at the Kipi border crossing intercepted the artifacts. The collection included an impressive mix of 61 silver staters, originating from places like Pamphylia, Cilicia, Ionia, Cyprus, Aegina, and Milos. Alongside these were 994 silver Athenian tetradrachms — and even one copper coin — all dating from the early to late 5th century BCE.

The official handover took place at the Numismatic Museum in Athens, with Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni and Turkish Culture Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy present.

During the ceremony, Minister Mendoni spoke about the significance of such cooperation: “The protection of cultural heritage is achieved only through cooperation, mutual assistance, and mutual understanding between peoples and states.” She emphasized that preserving historical memory is a shared responsibility, not just a national one.

Authorities on both sides confirmed the coins had been illegally excavated in Turkey before being smuggled across the border into Greece. The return of these artifacts underscores a commitment to combatting smuggling and protecting cultural treasures.

Turkish Minister Ersoy hailed the event as a “very important repatriation” and stressed the need for continued collaboration between Greece and Turkey. “Our two countries should jointly combat smuggling and have close ties,” he noted, highlighting how joint efforts can lead to meaningful successes like this one.

Interestingly, the coins are believed to have been part of a hoard hidden in Asia Minor between the late 5th and early 4th century BCE — an archaeological link that illustrates the rich, intertwined histories of these neighboring countries.

In a show of support for Greece’s ongoing request to reunify the Parthenon Sculptures, Ersoy added, “We want, with all our hearts, that they be repatriated and that the Greek people have them, because they belong to them.”

This story goes beyond the return of ancient coins — it symbolizes the potential for nations to come together, even amidst complex histories, to honor and protect what belongs to humanity as a whole.