News | From Zeus to Homer: The Growing Struggle for Cultural Heritage

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From Zeus to Homer: The Growing Struggle for Cultural Heritage

12 May 2025

Sefa Taşkın Shares 35 Years of Resistance in Bergama with Bornova

Researcher-Author and former Mayor of Bergama, Sefa Taşkın, shared his 35-year struggle for the return of the Altar of Zeus during a talk organized by Bornova Municipality. Drawing on his experiences, Taşkın emphasized that Bornova should also embrace Homer, a universal cultural figure. He stressed the need for protecting cultural heritage through scientific, comprehensive, and state-level strategies. Bornova Municipality expressed its commitment to continuing its work in this field.

The event, part of the “Memory of Stones Talk Series” organized by the Bornova Municipality Museum Directorate, was held at the Dramalılar Mansion. Moderated by art historian Ezel Kurmuş, the session featured Sefa Taşkın’s firsthand account of his long-standing efforts to repatriate the Altar of Zeus from Germany.

Claiming Homer Is a Universal Responsibility

Taşkın underscored that Homer, a figure originating from Bornova, represents not just a local heritage but a treasure of all humanity. He noted that preserving Homer’s legacy requires a scientific, sustained, and strategic approach. “First, we must define a paradigm and turn cultural heritage into a state policy,” he stated. Referring to the region’s deep cultural wealth dating back to antiquity, Taşkın said, “Aristides, who rebuilt İzmir after the earthquake in 177 BC, is ours. Homer is ours too.”

Altar of Zeus: A Documented Case of Historical Looting

Taşkın revealed that 1,496 artifacts of Anatolian origin are illegally held at the Berlin Museum and that they have documented Carl Humann as a historical thief. He explained how his fight, which includes 157 conferences and published works, has even resonated in Germany. “In 2020, the İzmir Metropolitan Municipal Council passed a resolution demanding the return of the Altar of Zeus. Our struggle continues,” he said.

Message of Gratitude and Collaboration from Bornova Municipality

Bornova Deputy Mayor Duygu Bölük stated, “Mr. Taşkın’s efforts to link local governments with cultural heritage are deeply valuable to us. We will continue our work to uncover and promote Bornova’s rich cultural legacy.”

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