$8.3 Million Worth of Antiquities Returned to Türkiye by Manhattan DA’s Office
In a significant move toward repatriating cultural treasures, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. announced on September 12, 2024, the return of 14 antiquities collectively valued at over $8.3 million to Türkiye. These artifacts, which include ancient statues and coins, were linked to various international trafficking networks, some connected to notorious dealers such as Richard Beale and Robert Hecht. The return of these artifacts represents an important victory in the fight against the illicit trade of cultural property and the restoration of historical objects to their rightful homes.
The artifacts, many of which were looted from the ancient city of Bubon in Türkiye during the 1960s, were sold on the international black market, often ending up in private collections and renowned museums. Bubon, a historically significant site in ancient Lycia, is home to a shrine that honored Roman emperors, making it a prime target for looters seeking valuable treasures.
Key Artifacts Returned
One of the most valuable pieces returned to Türkiye is a 3rd century CE statue of a bearded man’s head. This artifact, looted in 1966, was trafficked through various hands before being sold by New York dealer Matthias Komor to a private collector. The piece eventually ended up in the Santa Barbara Museum of Art as part of a donation.
Another notable artifact is a 2nd to 3rd century CE statue of a youth’s head. After being looted in 1969, it was transported to Switzerland for restoration and later sold to the Getty Museum.
Additionally, a rare Quintus Labienus coin, dating back to 40 BCE, was also among the items returned. This coin is particularly significant as it depicts the profile of Roman general Quintus Labienus, who was a key ally of Julius Caesar’s assassins. The coin was looted from Türkiye, passed through Germany and the Netherlands, and eventually laundered by Richard Beale’s auction house, Roma Numismatics, before being identified and seized.
Collaboration and International Efforts
The repatriation of these artifacts was the result of extensive collaboration between the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. At the official handover ceremony, representatives from these organizations, including Türkiye’s Deputy Minister of Culture Gokhan Yazgı and New York’s Consul General Muhittin Ahmet Yazal, expressed their gratitude for the cooperation that made this return possible.
Yazgı emphasized the importance of international cooperation in combating the illegal trafficking of cultural property. “Türkiye considers the protection of cultural property and the prevention of illicit trafficking a top priority… The cultural property that was illegally removed from Türkiye is finally coming back to its rightful home,” he stated.
The Fight Against Cultural Looting
Türkiye has long been a target for looters, given its rich archaeological history. Sites like Bubon, where some of these artifacts were taken, are particularly vulnerable. The repatriation of these objects is a significant step in addressing the historical wrongs committed through looting and illegal trafficking.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has been an advocate for returning looted artifacts, especially those that have made their way to New York. Bragg’s office has been involved in multiple investigations aimed at dismantling networks of traffickers that smuggle artifacts from countries rich in historical heritage, such as Türkiye, Italy, and Egypt.
This recent success demonstrates how governments and institutions can work together to identify and recover cultural artifacts. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by countries like Türkiye in protecting their heritage from theft and exploitation.
Looking Forward: Preserving Cultural Heritage
With international awareness growing around the illicit trade in cultural property, countries like Türkiye are gaining stronger legal and diplomatic tools to reclaim their stolen artifacts. This return is just one of many ongoing efforts aimed at preserving and protecting the world’s shared cultural heritage for future generations.
The return of these 14 antiquities underscores the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation between countries, law enforcement agencies, and cultural institutions. As these artifacts are welcomed back home, they serve as a reminder of the ongoing battle to preserve the past and the critical role of international collaboration in that fight.
