Police examine small vessels and other artifacts seized during a major cultural property smuggling operation in Istanbul, Türkiye, June 24, 2026. (IHA Photo)

Ishtartv.com - turkiyetoday.com

June 25, 2026

Istanbul police seized more than 10,000 historical artifacts and coins during a major anti-smuggling operation in the Beykoz district. Authorities described the bust as one of the largest and most significant seizures in the history of the city's anti-smuggling unit.

The raid was carried out on June 23 by teams from the Istanbul Police Department's Anti-Smuggling Crimes Branch. The operation specifically targeted individuals allegedly violating Law No. 2863, which is Türkiye's primary legislation for protecting cultural and natural assets.

Artifacts linked to multiple civilizations

A police search of the premises uncovered a total of 10,185 historical items, comprising 6,819 artifacts and objects alongside 3,366 ancient coins.

Initial assessments indicate the collection spans multiple eras and civilizations, including the Anatolian Seljuk, Great Seljuk, Urartian, Hittite, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Assyrian, Mesopotamian, Umayyad, Abbasid and Ottoman periods.

Authorities confirmed the seized items include archaeological artifacts, inscriptions, coins, and various other historical objects.

Many items assessed as museum-quality

According to initial expert assessments, a large part of the seized collection was considered suitable for museum display.

Authorities assessed the operation as one of the most qualified historical artifact seizures carried out by the Anti-Smuggling Crimes Branch, taking into account the variety, quantity and historical value of the items.

Two suspects were detained during the operation. After legal procedures, they were released by judicial authorities, with their case files to be submitted upon completion.

Various ceramic, metal and decorative objects are seen among the artifacts seized in Istanbul's Beykoz district, Türkiye, June 24, 2026. (IHA Photo)

A religious icon is seen among the items seized during an anti-smuggling operation targeting historical artifacts in Istanbul, Türkiye, June 24, 2026. (IHA Photo)