The Chargé d’Affairs for Iraq in Ankara, Counselor Khalil Ibrahim Mahmoud, received from the Director General of the Turkish Heritage and Museums Department, Kokhan Yazden, today, Friday, five gold coins dating back to the Abbasid era, and a piece of a statue dating back to the Sumerian era with Sumerian inscriptions, which were seized by the Turkish authorities. in Istanbul.
The charge d’affaires said in a speech during the handover ceremony that took place at the Directorate of Archaeological Museums in Istanbul: “These pieces were preserved by the Turkish authorities, and their return to Iraq was confirmed by a specialized committee from the Iraqi General Authority for Antiquities and Heritage, in addition to a committee of Turkish researchers in the Istanbul Museum.
He added, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “I am grateful to the Director of the Archaeological Museums in Istanbul and to the Turkish authorities for their continuous and successful efforts in combating antiquities smuggling, as they were able, through their efforts, to recover these artifacts of historical importance to Iraq,” noting: These pieces are part of the history and heritage of the Iraqi people and therefore belong to Iraq, and they will be displayed in public museums in front of the Iraqi people to increase their appreciation of their history and culture,” noting: “This initiative is another example of strengthening the long-term cooperation and friendship between Iraq and Turkey.” “.
For his part, Director General of the Turkish Heritage and Museums Department, Kokhan Yazden, affirmed his country’s keenness to return the trusts to their original owners, and that antiquities should be displayed in the places where they were discovered./
Source: National Iraqi News Agency