One detained as hundreds of historic artifacts found in Aegean province

BALIKESİR - Anatolia News Agency

A bus in the Aegean province of Balıkesir’s Ayvalık district was found to be carrying over 600 historical artifacts, including four coins dating back over 2,600 years. DHA photo

One suspect has been detained after a bus in the Aegean province of Balıkesir’s Ayvalık district was found to be carrying over 600 historical artifacts, including four coins dating back over 2,600 years.

A tip alerted local gendarmerie officers on May 16, after which a raid was conducted on the suspect’s home and workplace.

Three officials of the Balıkesir Museum Directorate also joined forces in the intense search, which discovered over 600 historical pieces. Four 2,600 year-old coins were among the finds, with over 338 other coins made of gold, bronze and silver, weaponry, decorations, architectural pieces, small statues, tear bottles and glass gravesite doors also spotted.

Officials took the artifacts, which are soon to be sent to court in accordance with the investigation. The suspect will also be sent to trial once the initial procedures are completed.