Greece has returned a collection of 48 Cypriot antiquities to Cyprus, marking another step in ongoing efforts to restore cultural heritage to its country of origin, according to ekathimerini.com
The artefacts, made from terracotta and stone and spanning approximately 3,500 years of Cypriot history, were formally handed over during a visit to Nicosia by Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni. The collection includes pieces dating from around 2000 BC to 1500 AD and reflects the rich cultural legacy of the island.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mendoni highlighted the importance of returning cultural treasures to their rightful homes.
“Our joy is equally great when Greece returns antiquities to the country where they belong.”
The antiquities were previously owned by Greek diplomat Christos Zaharakis, who assembled the collection over many years. Following his death, his heirs donated the collection to the Greek state with the intention that the objects be returned to Cyprus once their origins had been confirmed.
According to Greece’s Culture Ministry, the works are “exquisite samples of Cypriot civilisation” and represent an important part of the island’s historical record.
The repatriation comes as Greece continues its own international campaign to recover antiquities that were illegally removed from the country and now reside in museums and private collections around the world.
Source: ekathimerini.com
