US returns ancient statue of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius to Turkey after 65 years.
The ancient bronze statue of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, nicknamed the “Philosopher Emperor”, has been returned to Turkey from the United States after 65 years, the Turkish authorities announced on Saturday.
The statue was smuggled out of the country.
The statue was looted in the 1960s from the ancient city of Boubon, located in present-day Burdur province in southwestern Turkey.
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 highlighted that the return reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to reclaiming cultural heritage removed from Turkey.
He also revealed plans for a public exhibition in Ankara, where the statue will soon be presented.
