Ottoman-era historical artifacts seized in northern Turkey

Gendarmerie forces in northern Turkey seized a variety of historical artifacts thought to be dating back to the Ottoman period, authorities announced on Monday.

In the Ordu province, local gendarmerie forces raided the apartment of a suspected smuggler in the Ikizce district upon a tip-off. They confiscated three human figure statues, shallow pans as well as spoon, pestle, and candlestick. The suspect was taken into custody.

Separately, in the northwestern Canakkale province, anti-smuggling police carried out an operation in the Biga district to bust the apartment of a suspected smuggler.

They seized eight coins, four metal objects, ornaments and jewelries, metal detectors, pickaxes, and an audio listening unit. The suspect was released after brief detention.

In Turkey, it is not permitted to carry out excavations or drilling in order to find historical artifacts or treasures; those found guilty are slapped with varying prison sentences.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas