Washington - United States
American officials announced the return of 36 stolen antiquities to Syria, led by a huge stone sculpture that was smuggled during the period when ISIS targeted the archaeological site of Palmyra, in a step that the authorities stressed confirms the importance of protecting human cultural heritage and joining international efforts to reduce the illicit trade in antiquities.

Confiscated from the Metropolitan Museum

The recovered pieces, with a total value exceeding $5 million, were confiscated from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and from the private collections of a number of art collectors. In this context, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg emphasized that the recovery of these antiquities documents the importance of preserving human heritage and its dimensions transcend borders and nationalities.

Rare Palmyra carved details

The exceptional sculpture, made of limestone and weighing more than 450 kilograms, dates back to the period between 2015 and 2017. It depicts a man in a reclining position surrounded by a woman and three children. This piece is one of the unique treasures of the Palmyra site, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Arab investment and cultural implications
This step carries a positive message to the Arab region confirming the possibility of recovering looted treasures through international coordination. The return of these antiquities opens promising horizons for investors and cultural tourism makers to prepare for the rehabilitation phase of Syrian heritage sites as future tourist destinations, as well as enhancing the attractiveness of Arab museums and formulating an inspiring regional model for protecting and documenting national heritage.