# Antiquities seizure and archaeological finds in Turkey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/antiquities-seizure-and-archaeological-finds-in-turkey
> Updated: 2026-10-25T14:29:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Turkish authorities in the Konak district of Izmir seized a 2,000-year-old marble sculpture of the Greek deity Zeus during an anti-smuggling operation. The artifact, believed to date from the Roman period, is classified as protected cultural property. Three suspects were detained in connection with the investigation, though officials are still working to determine the sculpture’s original site of origin and the specific smuggling routes used.

Separately, researchers at the Sayburç site identified an 11,000-year-old stone relief within a Neolithic settlement. This relief, which may be the oldest known carved narrative scene, depicts five figures including men, leopards, and a bull. Archaeologists suggest the imagery may represent ritualistic rites of passage or encounters with dangerous animals.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: Turkey seizes 2,000-year-old Zeus marble sculpture

Turkish authorities seized a 2,000-year-old Roman-era marble sculpture of Zeus in Konak, resulting in three arrests.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-seizes-2000-year-old-zeus-marble-sculpture

### 2026-10-21: Archaeological discoveries in Turkey include 2,000-year-old Zeus head and 11,000-year-old relief

Turkish authorities recovered a 2,000-year-old marble Zeus head in Izmir, while archaeologists in Sayburç identified an 11,000-year-old Neolithic stone relief depicting a narrative scene.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/archaeological-discoveries-in-turkey-include-2000-year-old-zeus-head-and-11000-year-old-relief

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Cite as: Antiquities seizure and archaeological finds in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/antiquities-seizure-and-archaeological-finds-in-turkey