ISTANBUL: Turkish police confiscated thousands of historical artifacts in a giant operation against smugglers in Istanbul, the private Dogan news agency reported on Thursday.
Police detained 13 suspects and seized 26,456 artifacts, Dogan said.
The agency did not provide details on the artifacts or the suspects.
Turkey has been fighting for the return of stolen pieces at home and abroad.
The issue is crucial to a country that is home to about 3,000 ancient cities from 42 civilizations, and whose tourism industry relies on its rich historical heritage to attract millions of foreigners each year.
In September, Turkey recovered the Roman sarcophagus of Hercules from Switzerland after it had been smuggled from the ancient city of Perge in the southern Antalya province half a century ago.
The sarcophagus, which portrays the 12 labors of Hercules is now showcased in the Antalya museum.
The relic was returned to Turkey following an order by a Swiss public prosecutor in 2015.
It was displayed at Geneva University as part of an agreement between Turkey and Switzerland, and then delivered to Turkey under the sponsorship of the national flag-carrier Turkish Airlines.
Over 26,000 historical artifacts seized in Istanbul
Over 26,000 historical artifacts seized in Istanbul
Jordanian army chief reviews readiness of forces amid US-Iran conflict
- He inspects units that are deployed in the Northern Military Region to help maintain security along borders with Syria and Iraq
LONDON: Maj. Gen. Yousef Hunaiti, chairperson of the Jordanian Armed Forces’ Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited troops stationed along the nation’s borders on Tuesday to review their readiness as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, and wider regional repercussions, entered an 11th day.
Hunaiti inspected the 28th Amr Bin Al-As Mechanized Battalion, which is part of the 12th Yarmouk Mechanized Brigade, as well as the 2nd Border Guard Brigade. These units are deployed in the Northern Military Region to help maintain security along the borders with Syria and Iraq.
He evaluated the units’ operational and training activities and logistical status, and emphasized the need to maintain the highest levels of preparedness and vigilance amid the exceptional circumstances in the region, the Jordan News Agency reported.
Army chiefs are dedicated to ensuring Border Guard units are equipped with the necessary tools and weapons to secure Jordan’s borders and prevent infiltration and smuggling, Hunaiti said.
