Ottoman-era historical artefacts seized in northern Turkiye

Gendarmerie forces in northern Turkiye seized a variety of historical artefacts thought to be dating back to the Ottoman period, authorities announced on Monday and Anadolu News Agency reports.

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 north-western 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 jewellery, metal detectors, pickaxes and an audio listening unit. The suspect was released after brief detention.

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

​​READ: ​Turkish police seize over 16,000 historical artefacts in capital