Türkiye declares itself world leader in archaeology – 13,000 artefacts reclaimed!

Türkiye leads the world in archaeological discoveries, both on land and underwater, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday at the International Archaeology Symposium in Ankara.

Since 2002, Erdogan said, the country has secured the return of 13,291 historical artefacts to their homeland. “Our experts will first explore every inch of our country, then every place the Turk has ever set foot, meticulously recording our cultural heritage,” he added.

The symposium, held at the presidential complex, brings together more than 250 scholars, including 29 international experts. Among them, 33 academics – 17 from abroad – are scheduled to present research. Excavation directors from across Türkiye will also convene for the event.

As part of the symposium, the “Golden Age of Archaeology” exhibition opened to the public, featuring 485 artefacts from various ancient cities displayed for the first time. A highlight of the exhibit is the bronze statue of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, which was returned to Türkiye after 65 years.

“Each layer of these lands reveals ancient history, shaped by intertwined beliefs, cultures, languages, and colours—forming the collective memory of humanity in Anatolia,” Erdogan said.

He said that with nearly 800 field studies conducted annually, the academics have brought activities in this area to a highly significant level in terms of both scope and content.

For over a thousand years, the Turkish president said, Anatolia has been a homeland safeguarded by identity and culture, gradually flourishing and being adorned with the finest examples of Turkish-Islamic civilisation, transforming it into a living open-air museum that reflects the full arc of human history.