8,000-Year-Old Catalhöyük Figurine Back in Konya

The 8,000-year-old figurine originating from Catalhöyük, repatriated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, is being showcased in an exhibition organized with the support of Konya Metropolitan Municipality, drawing the interest of history enthusiasts.

Through the dedicated efforts of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the figurine from the Late Neolithic Period, originating from Çatalhöyük and smuggled abroad from Konya in the 1960s, has been successfully returned to Turkey.

The 8,000-year-old artifact, previously part of the Shelby White collection in the United States, was exhibited for a time at the Anatolian Civilizations Museum in Ankara before being handed over to the Konya Museums Directorate.

At the Karatay Tile Works Museum, the original Çatalhöyük Figurine, returned to Konya after extensive efforts, will be temporarily displayed as part of the “No Escape” themed exhibition. This exhibition narrates the stories of artifacts smuggled out of Konya and brought back to Turkey. Additionally, the exhibit features other artifacts recovered by the gendarmerie and police, offering visitors a unique glimpse into these reclaimed treasures.

Konya Museums Director Ömer Faruk Türkan emphasized that Turkey is home to exceptionally significant and unique lands in terms of cultural heritage and values. He stated, "Preserving the artifacts left to us by past civilizations and passing them on to future generations is one of the primary responsibilities of those living here. From now on, nothing will be smuggled out of these lands. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Konya Metropolitan Municipality for their immense support in organizing this exhibition."

In addition, to share the cultural significance of the 8,000-year-old figurine with a broader audience, a replica has been produced and is now on display at the Konya Metropolitan Municipality Çatalhöyük Promotion and Welcome Center. This initiative is significant not only for protecting cultural heritage unique to our country but also for highlighting Turkey's contribution to the world’s cultural legacy.