The United States has announced the return of 36 archaeological pieces to Syria, which were stolen and smuggled out of the country. The artifacts, valued at over $5 million, were seized by US authorities from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and several private collectors. The returned pieces include a stone sculpture from the ancient site of Palmyre, which was destroyed by the Islamic State between 2015 and 2017.
The sculpture, weighing over 450 kilograms, is a limestone relief depicting a man lying down, surrounded by a woman and three children. It was excavated from the Palmyre site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before being smuggled out of the country. The return of the artifacts was made possible through cooperation between the US and Syrian authorities.
The return of the artifacts has been hailed as a significant step in preserving cultural heritage. The Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, emphasized that the return of the artifacts demonstrates that preserving cultural heritage transcends borders and nationalities. The Syrian chargé d'affaires in Washington, Mohammad Qanatari, also welcomed the return of the artifacts, saying it shows the commitment to protecting cultural heritage.
Four of the returned Syrian pieces were seized from American collector Michael Steinhardt, who returned nearly 180 stolen objects worldwide in 2021 as part of an agreement with the US government. The value of the returned objects was estimated at $70 million. The Manhattan District Attorney's office has seized 402 antiquities from the Metropolitan Museum since 2017, valued at $98.7 million.
The US has previously returned stolen artifacts to several countries, including China, Greece, and Italy. The return of the Syrian artifacts demonstrates the ongoing efforts of the US to combat the illicit trade of cultural artifacts. The Syrian government has welcomed the return of the artifacts, saying it is a positive step in preserving the country's cultural heritage.
The return of the artifacts has been seen as a symbol of cooperation between the US and Syria. The two countries have been working together to protect cultural heritage and prevent the illicit trade of artifacts. The return of the artifacts is expected to strengthen ties between the two countries and promote a greater understanding of the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
The US return of 36 archaeological pieces to Syria highlights the importance of international cooperation in preserving cultural heritage. Key cooperation has enabled countries to work together to prevent the illicit trade of artifacts and protect cultural heritage sites.
Key points
- The returned artifacts include a stone sculpture from Palmyre, valued at over $5 million.
- The US has previously returned stolen artifacts to several countries, including China, Greece, and Italy.
- The return of the artifacts demonstrates the ongoing efforts of the US to combat the illicit trade of cultural artifacts.
