Egypt Reclaims 25 Stolen Artifacts from the U.S. in Landmark Cultural Victory

 

 

As part of its ongoing mission to protect and preserve Egypt’s ancient heritage, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities—through the Supreme Council of Antiquities and in close coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigration—has successfully recovered 25 rare antiquities smuggled out of the country illegally.

 

 

This achievement comes after three years of relentless efforts and investigations.

 

The artifacts were retrieved from New York through cooperation between Egypt’s Consulate General and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, alongside U.S. law enforcement agencies. The operation marks another milestone in the strong and ongoing collaboration between Egypt and the U.S. in combating illicit trafficking in cultural property.

 

 

Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy hailed the recovery as a testament to Egypt’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its rich heritage—a national priority that tolerates no compromise. He praised the joint efforts of Egypt’s ministries and international partners, which led to this important accomplishment.

 

 

He emphasized that the extended coordination with American authorities and international entities—and the accompanying in-depth investigations—reflect a united front against the illegal trade in cultural treasures. Egypt, he added, will continue to take all necessary actions to reclaim its heritage and uphold its historical responsibility to future generations.

 

 

 

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, revealed that the reclaimed collection includes golden and wooden coffin lids from the Pharaonic dynasties, a Fayoum mummy portrait from the 1st–3rd centuries AD, a granite foot fragment dating back to 1189–1292 BC, and exquisite jewelry crafted from metals and stones from the 4th century BC. Also included are architectural pieces believed to be from Queen Hatshepsut’s temple, ivory figurines, and various other artifacts spanning multiple eras of ancient Egyptian civilization.

 

 

 

Shaaban Abdel-Gawad, Director-General of the Repatriation of Antiquities Department, noted that the recovery efforts began in 2022 and spanned multiple legal cases. Over the past years, the items were gradually handed over to the Egyptian Consulate in New York.

 

 

They arrived in Egypt yesterday and were officially received today by a committee from the Supreme Council of Antiquities. The artifacts will now be restored and showcased in a temporary exhibition at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir.