Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., displays recovered ancient religious relics previously stolen during a Turkish invasion in 1974. The artifacts include mosaics, icons, and wall frescoes taken from churches in Cyprus. The museum is still searching for many stolen items, with over 20,000 icons estimated to have been looted.
Key Points
Ancient religious relics stolen during a Turkish invasion in 1974 are being displayed at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.
Over 20,000 icons have been estimated to have been stolen and disappeared from churches in Cyprus
Mosaics, icons, and wall frescoes recovered after being trafficked on the black market
Pros
Preservation of historical artifacts
Educating new generations about the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage