Greece returns ancient coin hoard to Turkey in landmark repatriation

·

Greece has returned 1,055 ancient coins, including 61 silver staters, to Turkey after they were confiscated by Greek customs in 2019.

The coins, dated to the 5th century BC, originated from regions such as Pamphylia, Cilicia, and Athens.

During a ceremony at the Numismatic Museum in Athens, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni and her Turkish counterpart Mehmet Nuri Ersoy highlighted the importance of international collaboration in combating illegal trafficking of cultural artefacts.

coins greece turkey2
Greece and Turkey’s Ministers of Culture at the coin exchange ceremony.

Both sides confirmed the coins were illegally trafficked from Turkey to Greece, and their return complies with the 1970 UNESCO Convention and a bilateral agreement signed in 2013.

Ersoy praised the repatriation and expressed hope for further cooperation, including the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Athens.

Source: AMNA.

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Latest News

Renovation of historic Halki Seminary nears completion amid reopening hopes

The renovation of the long-closed Greek Orthodox school on the island of Heybeliada in Istanbul is expected to be completed in September.

Greek athletes strike gold across Europe and Asia in stunning week of success

Greek athletes enjoyed a remarkable run of international success across taekwondo, judo and wrestling competitions this week.

Greece among top favourites for Eurovision win

Akyla is representing Greece at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with his emotionally charged track ‘Ferto’.

Discovery of explosive drone boat near Lefkada sparks EU concern

European Union foreign ministers have voiced concern following the reported discovery of a drone boat near the Greek island of Lefkada.

Jewish Hellenic Association of Victoria calls for national action on antisemitism

Dean Kalimniou has announced that the JHAV has lodged a substantial submission with the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

You May Also Like

Greek woman arrested in connection with infant deaths in Amaliada

Eirini Mourtzoukou, has been arrested in connection with the deaths of three infants and the attempted murder of an adult woman in Amaliada.

Fears of a fourth COVID wave grow in Greece as new cases skyrocket to 7,335

Greece announced 7,335 new coronavirus infections on Monday, the highest number since the start of the pandemic in the country.

Crete earthquake leaves three quarters of stricken homes uninhabitable

A 5.8-magnitude earthquake which hit Crete on Monday has damaged hundreds of buildings and left 772 homes uninhabitable.