Türkiye has been the cradle of different civilizations throughout history. Consequently Türkiye is one of the richest countries in the world as regards historical monuments, artifacts and ruins. This makes Türkiye a target of illegal trafficking of antiques and artifacts which are smuggled out of Türkiye and displayed in several leading museums and private collections in the world. Measures taken by the competent Turkish authorities, have resulted in the restitution of many of the illegally exported cultural property from Türkiye.
Exporting cultural property from Türkiye illegally is an offence subject to punishment.