Police arrested two individuals on Tuesday with fake press cards who were trying to sell 400-year-old manuscripts and 2,000-year-old Roman dishes at the Grand Bazaar in İstanbul.
The police seized 81 handwritten manuscripts, five ancient dishes dating back to the Roman era, and three embroidered minber (mosque pulpit) covers. Also among the historical artefacts was a 400-year-old handwritten copy of the Quran.
Dr. Hüsnü Koyunoğlu, an assistant professor at İstanbul University’s Faculty of Education, confirmed upon examination that the manuscripts were written 120 to 400 years ago. He estimates the total market value to be TL 1 million.
The police said the two suspects already have criminal records that include the smuggling of artifacts. Following further examination, the artifacts will be sent to the General Directorate of Foundations.
Source: Todays Zaman [August 02, 2011]
The police seized 81 handwritten manuscripts, five ancient dishes dating back to the Roman era, and three embroidered minber (mosque pulpit) covers. Also among the historical artefacts was a 400-year-old handwritten copy of the Quran.
Dr. Hüsnü Koyunoğlu, an assistant professor at İstanbul University’s Faculty of Education, confirmed upon examination that the manuscripts were written 120 to 400 years ago. He estimates the total market value to be TL 1 million.
The police said the two suspects already have criminal records that include the smuggling of artifacts. Following further examination, the artifacts will be sent to the General Directorate of Foundations.
Source: Todays Zaman [August 02, 2011]