Combating Looting of Cultural Heritage in Cyprus

Combating Looting and Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Heritage in Cyprus: for this International Museums Day talk, hear about the campaign against the illicit trade of cultural heritage in Cyprus.

Thursday 18 May at 1pm: Hear Dr Marina Solomidou-Ieronymidou and Michalis Gavrielides in conversation about the experience in Cyprus on cultural heritage repatriation and protections.

The Chau Chak Wing Museum has a strong connection with the Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus; with a significant collection of Cypriot antiquities and strong archaeological excavation affiliations for decades including the Paphos Theatre Archaeological Project. Cyprus provides a good example of how nations are attempting to reclaim their cultural heritage and prosecuting the case for the return of looted antiquities and arts. This conversation by two leading Cypriot authorities in the campaign against the illicit trade of cultural heritage promises to be thought provoking and provide a counterpoint to current discussions about the repatriation of cultural material to Australia.

The event will feature short presentations by the Director of the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus, Dr Marina Solomidou-Ieronymidou and the Head of the Office for Combating Illegal Possession and Trafficking of Antiquities (Cyprus Police), Michalis Gavrielides. Dr Solomidou-Ieronymidou and Gavrielides will then complete a Q&A session on the ways in which the Department of Antiquities and the Police Office for Combating Illegal Possession and Trafficking of Antiquities have been involved in the successful campaign for the return of looted cultural heritage to the Cyprus, particularly items taken from the occupied north since 1974, where it is estimated more than 16,000 items have been stolen and sold abroad.

They will discuss the creation of Cyprus’ National Committee for Combating Looting and Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Heritage in 2015; the diplomatic, legal, regulatory, and policing initiatives implemented by the Republic of Cyprus to halt illegal trafficking of cultural heritage, and the historical framework of looting in Cyprus. They will also present examples of recent successful repatriation of looted material to the museums and churches of Cyprus and lead a discussion on future actions to protect Cyprus’ stolen cultural heritage.

18 May is International Museums Day.