Cyprus Displays Repatriated Artifacts Looted by Turkish Dealer

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — In a significant cultural event, Cyprus unveiled a collection of ancient artifacts on Monday that were returned after being looted by Turkish art dealer Aydin Dikmen decades ago. The artifacts, taken from the island's northern region following the 1974 Turkish invasion, were seized in Germany in 1997. After lengthy legal battles, the artifacts were repatriated in three batches, with the most recent return occurring this year. During the unveiling ceremony at the archaeological museum, President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage, stating that the destruction of such heritage in conflicts represents a "deliberate campaign of cultural and religious cleansing." Among the 60 artifacts displayed are jewelry from the Chalcolithic Period (3500-1500 B.C.) and Bronze Age bird-shaped idols, highlighting the rich history of the island. The collection also includes previously returned items, such as 1,500-year-old mosaics depicting early Christian figures, which survived the Iconoclastic period when many similar works were destroyed. Cyprus has been actively seeking the return of its looted antiquities, with efforts supported by the Orthodox Church and ongoing investigations into the black market and auction houses. Eftychia Zachariou, the museum's antiquities curator, noted a positive shift in international attitudes, as more countries are now willing to repatriate artifacts with questionable provenance, aiding Cyprus in its quest to reclaim its cultural heritage.