Ankara: In an official ceremony, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism returned six cuneiform tablets to Iraq, marking a significant step in the efforts to protect cultural heritage and combat smuggling. The tablets, which contain economic, administrative, and religious information, were handed over at a ceremony held at the Republic Museum in Ankara. The event saw the participation of Turkish Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism G¶khan Yazici and Iraqi Ambassador to Ankara Majid Abdul-Ridha Hassan Al-Lajmawi.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Yazici highlighted Turkey’s commitment to preserving the historical and cultural values of other nations alongside its own. He noted that the returned tablets, proven to be of Iraqi origin through scientific data, date back to the ancient Akkadian, Ur III, and Old Babylonian periods. These tablets are significant for their scientific and cultural value, offering insights into daily transactions, lists of priests, and records of precious artifacts.

Yazici also pointed out that Turkey has previously returned a total of 97 pieces to Iraq. This includes four artifacts in 2010, 81 in 2019, six in 2022, and the current six tablets. Ambassador Al-Lajmawi expressed gratitude to Turkey for the successful return of these artifacts, emphasizing the shared determination of both nations to protect cultural heritage and combat the smuggling of historical artifacts.

He further expressed hope for continued cooperation between Turkey and Iraq in areas of mutual interest, appreciating Turkey’s efforts in safeguarding and restoring Iraqi cultural heritage.