An ancient bronze statue believed to represent Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius has been returned to Turkiye from the United States, 65 years after it was smuggled out of the country, Turkish authorities announced on Saturday.
The statue was looted in the 1960s from the ancient city of Boubon, located in present-day Burdur province in southwestern Turkiye. Its repatriation was made possible through collaboration between Turkish officials and US authorities.
Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy described the statue's return as a major victory after years of persistent effort.
“It was a long struggle. We were right, we were determined, we were patient, and we won,” Ersoy said. “We brought the ‘Philosopher Emperor’ Marcus Aurelius back to the land where he belongs.”
The statue had been on display at the Cleveland Museum of Art from April to July before its return. Ersoy said the recovery was based on scientific analyses, archival documents, and witness testimonies.
He commended the cooperation of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the US Homeland Security Investigations unit, calling the joint efforts “more than just a repatriation; it is a historic achievement.”
Ersoy emphasized that the return reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to reclaiming cultural heritage removed from Turkiye. He also revealed plans for a public exhibition in Ankara, where the statue will soon be presented.
.jpg)
