Turkey Refutes Lord Elgin’s Claim of Ownership of Parthenon Marbles
Turkey denies that Lord Elgin had permission from Ottoman authorities to take the Parthenon marbles. Zeynep Boz, a Turkish official, confirmed no evidence exists of a permit, supporting Greece's campaign to retrieve the marbles from the British Museum. The British Museum insists on the legality of the acquisition; however, Turkey’s stance strengthens Greece’s position.
Turkey has publicly rejected the claim that Lord Elgin received permission from Ottoman authorities to remove the Parthenon marbles, bolstering Greece’s long-standing campaign to retrieve them from the British Museum.
Zeynep Boz, the Turkish culture ministry’s top anti-smuggling official, stated that no evidence exists of a permit allowing Elgin to take the fifth-century BC sculptures.
This aligns with the findings of Greek officials and researchers, who have been unable to locate any archived document proving legal acquisition.
The British Museum maintains that the marbles were obtained legally, but Turkey’s intervention is seen as a significant development by Greece.
Crews working for Elgin removed the sculptures starting in 1801, and their controversial removal has been a point of contention ever since.
Greece has steadily campaigned for the marbles' return for 40 years, winning increasing support and public favor in Britain.
Zeynep Boz, the Turkish culture ministry’s top anti-smuggling official, stated that no evidence exists of a permit allowing Elgin to take the fifth-century BC sculptures.
This aligns with the findings of Greek officials and researchers, who have been unable to locate any archived document proving legal acquisition.
The British Museum maintains that the marbles were obtained legally, but Turkey’s intervention is seen as a significant development by Greece.
Crews working for Elgin removed the sculptures starting in 1801, and their controversial removal has been a point of contention ever since.
Greece has steadily campaigned for the marbles' return for 40 years, winning increasing support and public favor in Britain.
