Greece returns over 1,000 coins to Turkey in joint effort against antiquities smuggling

Greece has returned 1,055 ancient coins to Turkey, which had been smuggled from the country. Greek authorities seized the coins in 2025, and they were identified as having been illegally removed from Turkey. The repatriation was revealed by Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy during the inaugural Turkey-Greece Culture Forum held in Cappadocia.

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strengthen cultural bridges between the two societies.

Ersoy stated that the forum's purpose is to "strengthen cultural bridges between the two societies." Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni attended the event, emphasizing that culture is a deep and enduring field of communication between their nations. She highlighted the historical interactions and mutual influences between the two peoples, stressing that protecting cultural heritage is a universal responsibility.

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Culture is not just another area of bilateral cooperation. It is perhaps the deepest and most enduring field of communication between our societies.

During the forum, the ministers also discussed future cooperation in cultural exchange and the fight against antiquities trafficking. Ersoy further pledged Turkey's support for Greece's campaign to retrieve the Parthenon Sculptures from the United Kingdom. He underscored Turkey's commitment to preserving cultural heritage within its historical context, noting that combating illegal antiquities trafficking benefits both countries and humanity.

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Its protection is not only a national obligation. It is a universal responsibility. It is an act of respect for historical memory and future generations.