ABC speaks with Greek Australians fighting for the return of the Parthenon marbles to Athens

·

Greek Australians are pushing to see the Parthenon Marbles repatriated from the British Museum to Athens. 

Elly Symons is the vice-president of the Australian Parthenon Committee and a founder of the Acropolis Research Group.

The Australian-born archaeologist has spent the last eight years campaigning for the return of the marbles. It’s why she studied archaeology and moved to Athens.

“It’s just a very ugly episode in human history that we can wantonly [sic] destroy something so perfect and so unique, a unique part of humanity,” she says.

George Vardas (left), Elly Symons (right)

George Vardas, vice-president of Australians for the Return of the Parthenon Sculptures, hopes to see the marbles returned to their rightful home in his lifetime. 

“I’m now 66. [Within] 20, 30 years, I’d like to think so,” he says.

“If not, my grandson has just turned three. I’m priming him to take over from his granddad who lost his marbles.”

Human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson has his sights set on the United Nations’ International Court of Justice. 

He says it may be the only way to ever see the marbles repatriated. 

“I’m afraid it has to be a legal strategy,” he says.

“The only way that the marbles will ever come back is to have the judgment of the International Court of Justice.”

Geoffrey Robertson QC (Photo: The Greek Herald)

Robertson contests that the marbles were stolen and says any claims that paperwork legitimised Lord Elgin’s acquirement of the marbles in the early 19th century are false. 

“All Elgin could produce to justify his claim of ownership was a letter that had been written by an official at the port to the Ottoman government to the governor of Athens,” he says.

“It didn’t give him any rights other than to enter [the temple] and [sketch] and to pick up stones on the ground.”

The legality of the British Museum’s claim on the marbles is based on this paperwork but the original document has never been found.

“The Sultan never signed anything,” says Robertson.

“This has been claimed but it’s simply a lie.”

Source: ABC News

Read more: It’s time to sue: David Hill, Chairman of ‘Australians for the Return of the Parthenon Sculptures’

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Valentine’s Day, Greek Style: Two couples reflect on love, family and tradition

This year, The Greek Herald decided to speak with two Greek Australian couples from across the nation to ask them how they met.

‘It’s Story Time’ with Sophia Amarandos: A mini dating series on finding love

Sophia Amarandos is on her very own Bridget Jones-esque quest to find love, no matter how many glasses of wine and awkward dinners it takes.

Macquarie University leads the way in Greek Language Certificate awards ceremony

Over 200 people attended the award ceremony of the Certificates of Attainment in Greek Language 2024 that took place at Macquarie University.

Taste of the Aegean: Meet the Greek foodies bringing flavour to Antipodes 2025

This year’s Antipodes Festival is celebrating Greek culture and food with 'Taste of the Aegean,' proudly supported by The Greek Herald.

Inner West Hawks FC kick off 2025 season with memorable launch event

The Inner West Hawks FC officially launched their 2025 season with a vibrant celebration at Club Five Dock RSL on Wednesday, February 12.

You May Also Like

All Greek girls team prepares to play in the Sydney Nines Tournament for first time

Greek Australian girls will be wearing the blue and white jersey on February 20, as they compete in the Sydney Nines tournament.

TGH Exclusive: Archbishop Makarios says we will all celebrate together again when Churches reopen

In light of Greek Orthodox Easter, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios gave an interview to The Greek Herald explaining his thoughts about the pandemic.

Greek Australians recognised at Football NSW’s 2024 Annual Gala Dinner

Football NSW hosted its night of nights as the 2024 Annual Gala Dinner paid homage to players, coaches and officials.