NICOSIA, Cyprus. Cyprus proudly unveiled a collection of ancient artifacts on Monday that were recently returned after being looted decades ago by a Turkish art dealer. These items, which span thousands of years of history, were displayed at the country’s archaeological museum.
The artifacts were taken by Aydin Dikmen from Cyprus’ Turkish-occupied north in the aftermath of the island’s division in 1974, following Turkey’s invasion after a coup by Greek unionists. The antiquities, which had been seized in Germany in 1997, were repatriated in three stages, with the final batch returned this year after prolonged legal battles.
In a speech at the unveiling ceremony, President Nikos Christodoulides highlighted the broader implications of cultural theft, stating, “The destruction of a country’s cultural heritage, as evidenced in recent conflicts, becomes a deliberate campaign of cultural and religious cleansing that aims to eliminate identity.”
Among the 60 newly returned artifacts showcased were jewelry from the Chalcolithic Period (3500-1500 B.C.) and Bronze Age bird-shaped idols. Additionally, previously returned items include 1,500-year-old mosaics depicting Saints Luke, Mark, Matthew, and James. These mosaics are some of the rare early Christian artworks that survived the Iconoclastic period of the 8th and 9th centuries when many similar works were destroyed.
Cyprus, in collaboration with the Orthodox Church, has been actively searching for looted antiquities and relics from up to 500 churches over the years. The museum’s antiquities curator, Eftychia Zachariou, noted that recent changes in international attitudes towards repatriation have significantly benefited Cyprus. “In recent years, we have seen a shift in thinking among authorities in many countries who now opt to repatriate antiquities of dubious provenance,” she said.
The repatriation of these artifacts marks a significant victory in Cyprus’ ongoing efforts to recover its cultural heritage and address the injustices of past looting.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
