Cyprus Receives Repatriated Antiquities from Germany

Cyprus has successfully repatriated 60 looted antiquities, marking the conclusion of a decades-long effort to recover artifacts stolen by Turkish art dealer Aydin Dikmen during and after the 1974 division of the island. These items, some dating back to the Chalcolithic Period, were seized in Germany in 1997 and have now been returned after extensive legal battles. President Nikos Christodoulides condemned the looting as a 'deliberate campaign' against Cyprus's cultural identity, emphasizing the importance of preserving the island's heritage. The repatriation is part of Cyprus's broader strategy to reclaim thousands of stolen artifacts, with efforts supported by the Orthodox Church and international cooperation. Curator Eftychia Zachariou noted a growing willingness among countries to return antiquities of dubious origin, reflecting a positive shift in cultural heritage policies. The returned items will be displayed at the Cyprus Museum, highlighting the significance of this cultural victory for the nation.