Latest news with #MehmetErsoy
Malay Mail
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Marcus Aurelius comes home: Turkiye wins decades-long battle for ancient statue
ISTANBUL, July 20 — Turkiye has repatriated an ancient statue believed to depict Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius from the United States as part of efforts to recover antiquities illegally removed from the country, the government announced on Saturday. The bronze statue, smuggled from the ancient city of Boubon — now the province of Burdur in southwest Turkiye — in the 1960s, was returned to Turkiye after 65 years, according to Turkish officials. 'It was a long struggle. We were right, we were determined, we were patient, and we won,' Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy said. 'We brought the 'Philosopher Emperor' Marcus Aurelius back to the land where he belongs,' he added. This unique artefact, once exhibited in the United States, was repatriated to Turkiye based on scientific analyses, archival documents and witness statements, added the minister. 'Through the combined power of diplomacy, law, and science, the process we conducted with the New York Manhattan District Attorney's Office and the US Homeland Security Investigations Unit is more than just a repatriation; it is a historical achievement,' Ersoy said. 'Marcus Aurelius's return to our country is a concrete result of our years-long pursuit of justice.' The headless statue had been on display at the Cleveland Museum of Art from April to July, before its return to Turkiye. Ersoy said Turkiye was determined to protect all its cultural heritage that has been smuggled out. 'We will soon present the Philosopher Emperor to the people of (Turkiye's capital) Ankara in a surprise exhibition,' he announced. — AFP
Express Tribune
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Statue returns to Turkey 65 years later
Turkey has repatriated an ancient statue believed to depict Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius from the United States as part of efforts to recover antiquities illegally removed from the country, the government announced on Saturday. The bronze statue, smuggled from the ancient city of Boubon — now the province of Burdur in southwest Turkey — in the 1960s, was returned to Turkey after 65 years, according to Turkish officials. "It was a long struggle. We were right, we were determined, we were patient, and we won," Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy said. "We brought the 'Philosopher Emperor' Marcus Aurelius back to the land where he belongs," he added. This unique artefact, once exhibited in the United States, was repatriated to Turkey based on scientific analyses, archival documents and witness statements, added the minister. "Through the combined power of diplomacy, law, and science, the process we conducted is more than just a repatriation; it is a historical achievement," Ersoy said.
Arab News
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Ancient statue returns to Turkiye 65 years later
ISTNABUL: Turkiye has repatriated an ancient statue believed to depict Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius from the United States as part of efforts to recover antiquities illegally removed from the country, the government announced on Saturday. The bronze statue, smuggled from the ancient city of Boubon — now the province of Burdur in southwest Turkiye — in the 1960s, was returned to Turkiye after 65 years, according to Turkish officials. 'It was a long struggle. We were right, we were determined, we were patient, and we won,' Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy said. Marcus Aurelius statue has landed in Türkiye after being returned by the U.S. — Daily Turkic (@DailyTurkic) July 19, 2025 'We brought the 'Philosopher Emperor' Marcus Aurelius back to the land where he belongs,' he added. This unique artefact, once exhibited in the United States, was repatriated to Turkiye based on scientific analyzes, archival documents and witness statements, added the minister. 'Through the combined power of diplomacy, law, and science, the process we conducted with the New York Manhattan District Attorney's Office and the US Homeland Security Investigations Unit is more than just a repatriation; it is a historical achievement,' Ersoy said. 'Marcus Aurelius's return to our country is a concrete result of our years-long pursuit of justice.' The headless statue had been on display at the Cleveland Museum of Art from April to July, before its return to Turkiye. Ersoy said Turkiye was determined to protect all its cultural heritage that has been smuggled out. 'We will soon present the Philosopher Emperor to the people of (Turkiye's capital) Ankara in a surprise exhibition,' he announced.
Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful European country attracting 4.8m Brits hit with 'risky' FCDO warning
A beautiful country with white-sand beaches, ubiquitous history and acclaimed waterparks aims to attract almost five million British tourists this year - despite a fresh FCDO travel warning A beautiful country reaping the benefits of escalating anti-tourist sentiment in hotspots like Spain and Greece is slated for a record-breaking number of visitors this year. Spanning across West Asia and Southeast Europe, Turkey (Türkiye) boasts a balmy climate, sugar-like sand, cobalt waters, and acclaimed water parks - making it a great seaside resort. Istanbul is a great alternative for those not so keen on spending their entire holiday on the beach, and is filled with unique architecture, a rich history - and bustling markets. Last month, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy stated Turkey was witnessing 'signs of new records in tourism' as it attempts to bolster its appeal as a holiday destination. "Turkey has become the country with the highest number of early reservations in Germany," the politician added. "We aim to welcome over seven million visitors from both Russia and Germany this year. Additionally, we expect 4.8 million visitors from the UK in 2025." However, on Tuesday, May 27 - the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated the 'safety and security' section of its travel advice for the country. Under the subheading 'taxi safety', the body warned: "Accepting lifts from drivers of unofficial taxis is highly risky." It advised Brits to make sure they only travel in a registered taxi, and urged holidaymakers to make a note of the registration number before entering the vehicle - as well as checking the fare is metered. "App-based taxis and pre-booked taxis are also widely available," the FCDO added. At the time of writing, the FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to 'fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism'. This is due to on-going conflict with its neighbouring country, and follows extremist groups such as Daesh which have previously targeted border crossings near Turkey. "Most terrorist attacks have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul," the FCDO states. "You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities." Other warnings include pickpocketing, counterfeit banknotes, drink spiking, and sexual assault. Among the 4.4 million Brits that travelled to Turkey last year - 56 cases of sexual assault, including rape, were reported to British consular staff. "The majority of cases that have been reported took place during the tourist season in coastal resort areas," the FCDO adds. "Often these crimes were committed by someone the victim may have met during the day, with a significant number being by hotel or spa staff. There have also been sexual attacks on minors visiting toilet facilities alone. Be extra vigilant in these situations." While same-sex sexual activity is legal in Turkey, many parts of the country are 'socially conservative'. This means showing public affection could result in 'unwelcome attention'.
Wales Online
12-05-2025
- Wales Online
Canary Islands expecting bleak summer amid violence warnings
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A significant drop in hotel reservations this summer is sparking concern in the Canary Islands. Last year, 6.2 million international tourists were drawn to Tenerife - attracted by its consistently warm weather, affordable alcohol, sandy beaches, and renowned water park. But the influx was met with strong opposition from disgruntled locals. They claim they're being pushed out of the housing market due to the skyrocketing demand for holiday rentals. There are also worries about boisterous tourists ruining the island's national parks and congesting the roads. A series of protests erupted across Spain with exasperated residents telling holidaymakers to "go home". Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community Earlier this year, The Mirror reported on Spain's "grim" pledge to tourists ahead of the bustling summer season, as activists promised to escalate their actions against sun-seeking Brits. This follows a growing anti-tourist sentiment throughout the country, which has even turned violent. In March, a chilling sign threatening to "Kill A Tourist" was seen in Tenerife. Reports later surfaced that protesters had gone to the extreme of setting rental cars ablaze to convey their stark message, reports the Mirror. But despite a strong start to the year with 775,205 international visitors flocking to the Canary Islands in January, marking a 3.05 per cent increase from 2024, it seems that holidaymakers are now heeding warnings as tourism operators report a downturn in bookings for the upcoming summer season. During the Easter holidays, amid industrial action, Pedro Aldonso, president of the CEOE business association in Tenerife, reportedly highlighted the fragility of the industry, saying "every small collapse has an echo in trust". He emphasised the importance of confidence, stating: "When confidence falls, investment comes to a halt," and called for a return to "dialogue, trust, and common sense". The Canarian Weekly quoted the tourism chief as saying: "This is not about making headlines. It's about safeguarding jobs," suggesting that the current dip could be swiftly countered by a rise in "last-minute" holiday reservations. Spain's deepening housing crisis and upcoming protests against tourism may inadvertently boost lesser-known destinations such as Turkey, which anticipates a record influx of tourists this year. Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy previously announced that Turkey is experiencing a surge in visitors, particularly from Russia, Germany, and the UK. And the politician highlighted Turkey's popularity, stating: "Turkey has become the country with the highest number of early reservations in Germany." He set ambitious targets: "We aim to welcome over seven million visitors from both Russia and Germany this year. Additionally, we expect 4.8 million visitors from the UK in 2025."
