January 22, 2026
World
World
TOKYO, Jan 22 — Japan has halted the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant just hours after it began, though the reactor remains “stable,” the operator said.
ISTANBUL, July 20 — Türkiye has successfully repatriated an ancient statue believed to represent Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius from the United States, as part of its ongoing efforts to recover antiquities illegally taken from the country, the government announced on Saturday.
The bronze statue, originally smuggled in the 1960s from the ancient city of Boubon—now located in the southwestern province of Burdur—has been returned to Türkiye after 65 years, Turkish officials confirmed.
“It was a long struggle. We were right, we were determined, we were patient, and we won,” said Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy.
“We have brought the ‘Philosopher Emperor’ Marcus Aurelius back to the land he belongs to,” he added.
According to Ersoy, the statue—which had been on display in the United States—was returned to Türkiye based on scientific research, archival evidence, and witness testimonies.
“This achievement, realized in cooperation with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the US Homeland Security Investigations Unit, goes beyond a simple repatriation—it is a historic milestone made possible through diplomacy, law, and science,” Ersoy said.
The headless statue was most recently exhibited at the Cleveland Museum of Art from April to July before being sent back to Türkiye.
Reaffirming the country’s commitment to protecting its cultural heritage, Ersoy stated, “We will continue to pursue all artefacts smuggled out of Türkiye.”
He also revealed that the Marcus Aurelius statue would soon be featured in a surprise exhibition in Ankara. — AFP
