United States returns 36 stolen Syrian antiquities to Syria

United States authorities have returned 36 stolen ancient artifacts to Syria, valued at more than $5 million. The repatriation ceremony took place in New York City following long-term investigations into the illicit trafficking of cultural property.

The collection includes a massive limestone funerary sculpture from the ancient site of Palmyra, weighing over 450 kilograms, which was looted during the period of destruction caused by ISIS between 2015 and 2017. Additionally, the returned items include 14 rare mosaics looted from a Roman villa.

Many of the pieces were seized from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and private collectors. Specifically, four items were recovered from American collector Michael Steinhardt, who previously returned approximately 180 stolen items in 2021. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg noted that the repatriation serves as a reminder that preserving cultural heritage transcends national borders.

Syrian Chargé d'Affaires Mohammad Kanatri stated that the cooperation between the two nations helps return a piece of Syria's history to its homeland.