Iraq recovers 6 Mesopotamian artifacts from Turkey

ANKARA — In an official ceremony held at the General Directorate of Antiquities in Turkey’s capital Ankara, Iraq recovered 6 ancient artifacts belonging to the civilization of Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia). The cuneiform-inscribed clay tablets originate from ancient Mesopotamian cities such as Ur, Akkad, and Babylon. 

The event was attended by the Iraqi Ambassador Majid Abdul-Ridha Hassan al-Lachmawi and the Turkish Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Gokhan Yazgi. During the ceremony, Ambassador Al-Lachmawi displayed the artifacts in the presence of Deputy Minister Yazgi. The inscriptions on the tablets reflect religious, cultural and administrative aspects, showcasing the way of life in these ancient civilizations. 

The Iraqi ambassador expressed gratitude to Turkey, emphasizing that these tablets represent a vital part of the heritage of Beth Nahrin and stand as evidence of the region’s pioneering role in the birth of civilization, particularly in the invention of writing.  

The Turkish deputy minister affirmed that the repatriation of the artifacts results from effective cultural cooperation between the two countries. He highlighted Turkey’s commitment to international laws protecting cultural heritage and its support for Iraq’s diplomatic efforts to recover and preserve its looted archaeological legacy.