An ancient bronze statue believed to depict Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius has been returned to Turkiye, 65 years after it was illegally taken from the country.

Turkish authorities announced the successful repatriation on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s ongoing efforts to recover its cultural heritage.

The statue, looted in the 1960s from the ancient city of Boubon in Turkiye’s Burdur province, was recovered through cooperation between Turkish and US authorities. It had most recently been on display at the Cleveland Museum of Art from April to July.

Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy hailed the return as a hard-won victory, stating, “It was a long struggle. We were right, we were determined, we were patient, and we won. We brought the ‘Philosopher Emperor’ Marcus Aurelius back to the land where he belongs.”

The statue’s return was based on extensive scientific analysis, archival research, and witness testimony. Minister Ersoy praised the efforts of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the US Homeland Security Investigations unit, calling the cooperation “a historic achievement.”

He also reaffirmed Turkiye’s commitment to recovering its cultural assets removed abroad and announced plans to exhibit the statue to the public in Ankara in the near future.