The Turkish capital hosted a landmark archaeology event on Wednesday, featuring the unveiling of rare artefacts and the celebrated return of a bronze statue of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Speaking at the International Archaeology Symposium in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Türkiye now leads the world in archaeological discoveries, both on land and underwater.
Since 2002, he noted, Türkiye has repatriated 13,291 historical artefacts.
“Our experts will first explore every inch of our country, then every place the Turk has ever set foot, meticulously recording our cultural heritage,” Erdogan said.
The symposium, held at the presidential complex, brought together over 250 scholars, including 29 international experts. Among them, 33 academics — 17 from abroad — are scheduled to present research, alongside excavation directors from across Türkiye.
Coinciding with the symposium, the Golden Age of Archaeology exhibition opened to the public, showcasing 485 artefacts from ancient cities, many displayed for the first time.
The centerpiece of the exhibit is the Marcus Aurelius statue, returned to Türkiye after 65 years abroad, symbolising the country’s growing success in reclaiming its cultural heritage.
