On August 6, the Presidential Complex will host, for the first time in the history of the Republic, an event dedicated to archaeology. The “Golden Age of Archaeology” exhibition and the International Archaeology Symposium will bring together more than 250 scholars, including 29 from abroad. The exhibition will feature the bronze statue of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius—returned to Turkey after 65 years—as well as a collection of artifacts, over 80% of which will be on display for the first time.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that the event is not only a scientific gathering but also a demonstration of Turkey’s claim to cultural leadership. The three-day symposium at Beştepe will focus on Anatolia’s archaeological heritage and the history and significance of the Marcus Aurelius statue.
Many valuable artifacts, including Neolithic finds, thousand-year-old perfume bottles, ancient coins, sculptures, and mythological depictions, will be open to visitors for approximately six months at the Presidential Complex Exhibition Hall.
The Marcus Aurelius statue was looted from the ancient city of Boubon in Burdur during the 1960s and smuggled to the United States. Through international cooperation led by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, it was officially returned to Turkey earlier this year.
