05.04.2025 16:51
Adem Algül, while collecting mushrooms in Karaman, discovered coins believed to belong to 20 different states and was awarded a cash prize of 155,350 Turkish lira. Algül, who found the amount to be low, took the matter to court. In the expert report, it was stated, "It is impossible for us to make any price determination."
Last year, retired Adem Algül, who went mushroom picking in the village of İkizçınar, located in the Ermenek district of Karaman, found 247 silver coins inside an amphora (ancient jug) in the mountainous area above the village. Algül promptly went to Ankara with a relative's vehicle to deliver the coins he found to the Directorate of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
BELONGING TO 20 DIFFERENT STATES The coins, which were examined by the Museum Directorate of Movable Cultural Assets, were evaluated as inventory items and recorded in the "Museum Inventory Book" as cultural assets. It was determined that the coins, which are believed to belong to 20 different states that ruled during that period, date back to the 5th and 6th centuries BC.
155 THOUSAND 350 LIRA PAID It was decided to pay Algül 155 thousand 350 lira as a "value assessment" for the coins he delivered.
EXPERT REPORT REQUESTED Algül, who found the award insufficient, applied to the Ankara Administrative Court. The Ankara 23rd Administrative Court requested a report from an expert to determine the value of the coins.
"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO DETERMINE A PRICE" The expert report sent to the court stated: "As a scientist dedicated to the field of Archaeology and Art History, it is impossible for us to determine any price regarding the valuation of silver coins. For us, the value of a silver coin is the same as a small or even broken piece of ceramic. It has no price. We would like to remind that these artifacts fall under the law mentioned above, and the prices determined on the internet are invalid in Turkey. These amounts have been put up for sale by institutions not recognized by our country's institutions for artifacts illegally smuggled out of our country, and the prices determined by them were established after being put up for auction. Therefore, your court cannot establish any price criteria. However, our museums determine a type of 'thank you fee' based on a certain amount established by commissions set up for those who bring such artifacts to museums. However, it is appropriate to state that the total weight of the silver coins subject to this file is 2976.79 grams, and this amount has a current market value of 117 thousand 106 lira. Additionally, it is the responsibility of every citizen to protect our cultural heritage and to be conscious of this issue."
"I FOUND THE COINS WHILE GOING MUSHROOM PICKING" Adem Algül, who explained how he found the coins, said, "I went mushroom picking in the forest. While looking around, I saw something black and thought it looked like a mushroom. When I reached out, I felt it was a bronze coin. Later, when I took it out, it was a sailor's amphora. It was an amphora filled with historical silver coins. I went straight home. I went to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara with a relative's private vehicle and delivered the coins. My reasoning was that I thought it was fitting for my state. My state has given me a lot. It educated my two children and also educated me in a boarding school. I became a civil servant at the age of 19. At that moment, I felt that I owed a lot to the state. I delivered it with these feelings, saying this is my homeland, my country, my nation, but the reward given to me by the state was quite meager." he said.
"UNACCEPTABLE FROM MY PERSPECTIVE" Algül stated that the expert valued the coins he found as if they were worth three kilos of scrap silver, and he expressed the following: "As a citizen, it is impossible not to be saddened by this situation. It is very important for me that such artifacts are brought to our state and our museums. I recommend the same to all my citizens. Let our state benefit, let the artifacts be exhibited in our state. Let them not become someone else's property abroad. This is the property of this land, let it stay here. That is all I wish. The expert report prepared during the court process is quite unrealistic. It says, 'I cannot determine historical value.' Only a value is determined based on the raw material price. This is unacceptable from my perspective. Because this artifact is very special and important. The prices abroad are also evident. Of course, I do not want the foreign price, but I want a proper value to be assigned to this special artifact. I have no other request. Previously, a value of 153 thousand 600 lira was assigned. We objected. The second expert reduced this value to 153 thousand lira. We applied to the administrative court. My lawyer is following the process. The Ankara 23rd Administrative Court requested an expert from the university. However, the university professor again only valued it based on the raw material price. It was stated that 'we cannot determine historical value.' My request is for a payment to be made to me that is appropriate to the value of the artifact, because this is an award."