Turkey Announces Repatriation of 76 Nigerian Artefacts

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In a significant stride for international cultural diplomacy, the Republic of Turkey has identified 76 historical artefacts, crafted from wood and metal and believed to have originated in Nigeria. This discovery marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing global movement toward the restitution of cultural heritage and sets the stage for a revitalised partnership between Ankara and Abuja.

The announcement came during a high-profile diplomatic visit on Thursday, January 22. The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, met with the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, in the nation’s capital to discuss the logistics of the potential return. According to Ambassador Poroy, identifying these pieces is the first step in a broader collaborative effort to honour Nigeria’s rich history.

“Our minister of culture and tourism has identified 76 wooden and metal objects that they think might belong to Nigeria. We received information about these artefacts last May, and we are eager to see them returned to Nigeria,” the ambassador said.

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The timeline for the return of these treasures hinges on the Nigerian government’s formal identification and claim of ownership. However, the momentum is building rapidly. Ambassador Poroy highlighted the timing, which is perfectly aligned with an upcoming state visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Turkey, where a formal cultural cooperation agreement is expected to be finalised.

“During the upcoming visit of Nigeria’s president to Turkey, we aim to sign a cultural cooperation agreement.” We are committed to promoting cultural understanding and cooperation between our nations,” he added.

Beyond the physical return of artefacts, the diplomatic dialogue touched on long-term investments in Nigeria’s creative economy. Turkey plans to establish a dedicated Turkish cultural centre in Nigeria to foster traditional arts and provide educational support for young Nigerian women. From Turkish coffee sessions to photo exhibitions, the initiative seeks to blend the rich histories of both nations.

Minister Musawa welcomed the development enthusiastically, noting that Nigeria’s status as a cultural powerhouse makes it a natural partner for such initiatives.

“This is a golden opportunity for both countries to strengthen cultural diplomacy. Nigeria is the gateway to engaging the black global community, purely because of our numbers and our strength of expression. We urge officials to expedite the process of finalising the cultural cooperation agreement,” the minister said.

The minister also expressed a keen interest in leveraging Turkey’s expertise in the film industry and fashion sector to empower Nigerian creatives. By reclaiming these 76 artefacts, Nigeria is not just recovering its past; it is fostering a future centred on cultural tourism and economic expansion.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) And Answers

1. How many artefacts has Turkey identified?

A total of 76 artefacts, including various wooden and metal objects, have been identified as potentially originating in Nigeria.

2. What is the next step for the repatriation of these items?

The Nigerian government must now formally identify the objects and officially claim ownership before the repatriation process can begin.

3. What is the Cultural Cooperation Agreement?

It is a formal deal expected to be signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s upcoming visit to Turkey, aimed at deepening ties in the arts, film, fashion, and tourism sectors.

4. Will new cultural institutions be established?

Yes, Ambassador Poroy revealed plans to establish a Turkish cultural centre in Nigeria to support traditional arts and education among young women.