Diplomatic Tensions Rise Over Parthenon Sculptures: Greece and UK Clash

November 29, 2023

Diplomatic tensions flared on Monday as British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak canceled a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, sparking a diplomatic row over the status of the Parthenon Sculptures housed at the British Museum. The contested sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, have been at the center of a longstanding dispute, with Greece advocating for their permanent return to Athens.

The Parthenon Sculptures: An Ancient Legacy

The Parthenon Sculptures consist of more than 30 ancient stone sculptures from Greece, dating back over 2,000 years. Originally adorning the walls and grounds of the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill in Athens, these sculptures are considered a crowning achievement of Athens’ Golden Age, dedicated to the goddess Athena.

Historical Acquisition and Controversy

In the early 19th century, Thomas Bruce, the 7th Earl of Elgin and then-British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, removed the sculptures from the Parthenon. The marbles were subsequently purchased by the British Museum in 1816. While Lord Elgin claimed to have had permission from the Ottoman Empire, Athens accused him of theft. The original letter of permission is lost, contributing to ongoing disputes over the legality of their acquisition.

Greece’s Ongoing Campaign for Return

Since gaining independence in the early 1830s, Greece has consistently demanded the return of the Parthenon Sculptures. The campaign gained momentum in the 1980s, with actress and then-Greek Culture Minister Melina Mercouri leading the movement. Despite persistent calls from Greece, the British Museum has rejected requests for repatriation.

British Museum’s Stance and Recent Developments

The British Museum argues that the sculptures were acquired legally under a contract with the Ottoman Empire and resists their return. The institution contends that the public benefits more from their divided display in two museums, citing losses and destruction of some parts.

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