At least 41 historical artefacts of Anatolian origin, illegally removed from Türkiye, are being repatriated from the United States, Turkish and American officials announced on Monday—marking another milestone in Ankara’s ongoing mission to recover its stolen cultural heritage.
The antiquities, collectively valued at more than $8 million, were formally handed over to Türkiye’s Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Gökhan Yazgı during a ceremony held at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in New York.
According to officials, the collection comprises rare items connected to ancient civilisations that once flourished across Anatolia. Many of these artefacts were trafficked through international smuggling networks before resurfacing in private collections or galleries abroad.
Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bogdanos, renowned for his work in high-profile antiquities trafficking cases, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tom Acocella participated in the handover event. Both emphasised the strong collaboration between Türkiye and U.S. law enforcement agencies in disrupting smuggling operations and ensuring the return of stolen cultural property.
The latest recovery reflects a growing partnership between the two countries, which in recent years has led to several successful repatriations—including high-value statues, coins, and archaeological pieces linked to Anatolia’s ancient past. Officials say the joint efforts underscore a shared commitment to protecting global heritage from illicit trade and preserving it for future generations.
