>  Archaeology of the Old Testament   >  Archaeological finds from the Holy Land that are in Turkey

During the 19th century and up to 1917 the Ottomans ruled much of the Middle East, including the Holy Land. During that time, several significant archaeological discoveries from the Holy Land were removed to Turkey. Some of these items are displayed at Istanbul’s Archaeological Museum, while the locations of others remain unclear.  Here is a review of some of them:

Temple Warning Inscription

Found in 1871, this Greek inscription on a stone block warned non-Jewish visitors not to proceed further into the Temple of Jerusalem. The penalty would be death. Such inscriptions, in both Greek and Latin, were placed around the temple’s perimeter (the “soreg”). Uncovered north of the Temple Mount, it was eventually taken by the Ottomans to Istanbul’s Archaeological Museum, where it is on display to this day.

Zeus of Gaza

An impressive 4-meter-high marble statue of Zeus, weighing about 6 tons, was discovered near Gaza in 1879 by Locals. Scholars assume that is my have been in display at a temple from the Roman period, yet to be found. Ottoman authorities seized it and transported it to the Imperial Museum in Istanbul, where it is on display to this day.

The Siloam Inscription

siloam inscriptionDiscovered by Jewish kids in Hezekiah’s Tunnel in 1880, this ancient Hebrew text describes in extraordinary detail the construction of Hezekiah’s Tunnel. Looters chiseled it off the wall aiming to sell it for a profit. However, the Ottoman authorities confiscated it and transferred it to Istanbul. It is now housed in the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.

The Gezer Calendar

Discovered in 1908 by the British archaeologist Robert Macalister Tel Gezer, this small limestone tablet dates to the 10th century BCE. Being so, it is one of the oldest known Paleo-Hebrew Inscriptions. It provides an abbreviated list of the agricultural seasons, perhaps as a writing assignment. The Ottomans removed this item as well, and it’s currently displayed in the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.

Samaria Ostracae

Excavated in 1910 at the palace of Ahab in Biblical Samaria, these inscribed pottery shards (ostracae) are written in Paleo-Hebrew script. They primarily contain tax receipts for olive oil and wine, mentioning various place names from the tribe of Manasseh’s territory. Carried to Turkey by the Ottomans, a selection of these ostracae is on display at the Archaeological Museum of Istanbul.

The Orpheus Mosaic Floor

Discovered in 1901 northwest of Damascus Gate, the Orpheus mosaic floor is one of the most impressive mosaics found int the Holy Land. The Main scene is Orpheus taming the animals with his lyre. However, it is only a small part of a grand mosaic floor that includes a series of registers, each with panels of figural imagery. Transferred by the Ottomans to Turkey, this mosaic is also on display at the Istanbul Archaeological Museum.

“Shema, Servant of Jeroboam” Seal

A cast of the “Shema, Servant of Jeroboam” Seal. Photo courtesy of R. Deutsch

This seal, discovered by Gottlieb Schumacher during excavations at biblical Megiddo, is considered the most significant seal from biblical times. Made of Jasper, it depicts a roaring lion in unusual detail, with the name “Belonging to Shema, Servant of Jeroboam” around it. Most scholars believe Shema was a high official in the court of King Jeroboam II who ruled Israel for 41 years. The Ottomans transferred it to Turkey, but for many years it fate was unknown. However, a testimony by Schumacher’s daughter suggests that the seal placed it in Abdul Hamid II’s tomb upon his death in 1909.

The presence of these artifacts in Turkey has led to discussions about their potential return to Israel. Except for the Zeus sculpture and the Orpheus mosaic, all these artifacts reflect Jewish history and legacy in the Holy Land. With the establishment of the modern State of Israel, it seems that these items should be displayed in Israel’s national museum.

However, the return of cultural artifacts is a complex and often contentious issue in international relations and cultural heritage discussions. It involves considerations of historical ownership, cultural significance, and the principles of universal museums. One can only hope that one day the conditions will allow the return of these items to Israel, and set their display at the Israel Museum.

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