The Byzantine Museum in Nicosia, Cyprus, opened a new exhibit that highlights early Christian relics with a distinct history.
Many of the artifacts were once stolen by looters and were trafficked on black markets following the 1974 Turkish invasion, Reuters reported.
Mosaics, icons and wall frescos were stolen and recovered From the church North of the island.
Mystical pyramids, ancient bronze coins discovered by archaeologists
The museum is still looking for more Stolen itemsaccording to Dr. Ionis Eliades, director of the museum, reported Reuters.
The new exhibit in Cyprus displays ancient religious artifacts that had been stolen and sold on the black market before during the invasion in the 1970s. (Reuters/Yiannis Kourtoglou)
“The looting, destruction was massive. We calculated that over 20,000 icons were stolen and disappeared from the church,” Eliades said.
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According to the CIA World Fact Book, Cyprus became independent from British rule in 1960, but the Greek Cyprus tensions intervened in 1974, occupying a third of the island before intervening in 1974.
Museum director Ioannis Eliades said the museum is still searching for many of the stolen items, Reuters reported. (Reuters/Yiannis Kourtoglou)
Turkey’s North declared its independence in 1983, but only Türkiye is recognized.
Cyprus participated european union In 2004, EU law only applies to government-controlled regions, the Factbook states.
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Mosaics from the Gregorian calendar of the early 6th century Church The Panagia Kanakaria of Lythrangomi is known as unusual by archaeologists.
“The looting, destruction was massive… We calculated that over 20,000 icons were stolen and disappeared from the church,” the museum director said. (Reuters/Yiannis Kourtoglou)
depiction of Christ, Virgin Marythe archangels and apostles were cut into pieces and sold on the black market in the late 1970s.
Most of these works were later discovered in private collections obtained by Cypriot officials after the lawsuit.
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“We want you to understand what happened to the new generation. Our Islandand why it is important to protect even the smallest work we can bring [home]”Eliedes has been added.
Reuters contributed to this report.
