Nearly 6,000 historical artifacts seized in Turkiye

KAYSERI/BATMAN, Turkiye

Turkish security forces have seized historical artifacts, including thousands of Byzantine, Roman-era coins, sources and officials said on Thursday.

In the central Kayseri province, as many as 5,100 Byzantine, Roman-era coins and two sculptures were seized by police, while two suspects were held, sources said.

The confiscated coins are said to be worth an estimated 5 million Turkish lira (over $365,000), said the sources, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Separately, local gendarmerie forces in the southeastern Batman province seized 825 coins and rounded up three suspects in an operation on Dec. 29, 2021, said Batman governor's office.