25.07.2025 11:44
The bronze statue of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, which was smuggled abroad after illegal excavations at the Boubon Ancient City in the Gölhisar district of Burdur, was returned to Turkey after 65 years. The discovery of the statue has caused excitement in its homeland, Burdur. Residents of the city are hoping that the statue, which is set to be exhibited in Ankara soon, will be brought to the museum in Burdur as soon as possible.
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The statue of Marcus Aurelius, dated to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, was taken abroad after illegal excavations in the Boubon Ancient City in Gölhisar, Burdur, in the 1960s. One of the rare bronze statues of Anatolia, the work changed hands over the years and became part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio, USA. As a result of the long struggle of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, this unique work, exhibited in the USA, was returned to Turkey 65 years later with scientific analyses, archival documents, and witness statements. The statue of Marcus Aurelius was brought to Turkey on July 19 by a Turkish Airlines plane.
"HISTORICAL SUCCESS"
Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated in a social media post that the statue, which he described as a 'historical success' in its return to Turkey, will be exhibited in Ankara. Minister Ersoy said, "We will soon bring the Philosopher Emperor together with the people of Ankara in a surprise exhibition."
The return of the statue, which has become a significant milestone in the fight against cultural heritage smuggling by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, excited the people of Burdur. The bronze statue, which holds a special place in ancient art history for depicting Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius as a philosopher, has created expectations for its exhibition in the Burdur Archaeology Museum, which hosts thousands of visitors each year and contains more than 65,000 archaeological artifacts.
"A GAIN FOR BURDUR"
Residents of the city expressed their desire for the statue to be brought back to its homeland, Burdur. Tradesman Ali Çelik stated that they expect the statue of Marcus Aurelius to be exhibited in the Burdur Museum.
Selma Karataş said, "We wish for our Emperor statue to be exhibited in Burdur."
Prof. Dr. Nurettin Körözlü from Mehmet Akif Ersoy University also stated, "It is very pleasing that the statue of Marcus Aurelius has come to Turkey after 65 years. I believe that its exhibition in Burdur will be a gain for Burdur."
Meanwhile, the marble statue of Marcus Aurelius, unearthed during excavations in the ancient city of Sagalassos in the Ağlasun district in 2008, is exhibited in the Burdur Museum.
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