A new turn in the claim of Sculptors of the Parthenon gave Turkey’s public admission that there is no Ottoman firman anywhere who grants the marbles to Lord Elgin.

Turkala archaeologist, Zeynep Bozwhich crushed one of the main arguments of the British, spoke to SKAI.

“We are not aware of any legal market as we do not have a firman. The only thing available is a so-called translation, a document written in Italian. But to call something a “translation,” in my opinion, you need its original. Several researchers have looked at the Ottoman archives, including my own group, by the way. But we couldn’t find any document which confirms what is claimed in terms of legality” stressed the head of Turkey’s anti-trafficking antiquities department.

“When there’s no documentation it’s too much of a stretch to be true that these were bought legally… So if we hadn’t reacted to that then it might have seemed like we’re admitting or confirming what’s being said. Their return would really mean a major change. So I guess if we manage to get the Parthenon Marbles back to Greece then it would be, well, the strongest message” Ms. Boz noted.

This statement reinforces what the Greek side has been supporting for so many years.

As explained by Katerina TitiAssociate Research Professor at the French National Center for Scientific Research, “already the Ottomans did not recognize Elgin’s license, in fact in 1811 the then British ambassador had sent a letter to Elgin telling him that the Ottomans absolutely deny that “you have any ownership in the marbles ”. So, already in 1811 this was the official position of the Ottomans”.

The popular author and sculpture committee member, Victoria Hislop he emphasized that now is the opportunity to change something and called Elgin a liar.

“The public knows that Elgin was not only a thief but also a liar because we have never found the official license that Elgin said he had from the Sultan” he noted to ERT.

“There is no longer any question of ownership of the Parthenon sculptures. The only way one can see the Parthenon Sculptures is the experiential way, i.e. their return and reunification in Greece, in Athens, in the Acropolis Museum” pointed out the Director of the Acropolis Museum Nikos Stampolidis.

However, for the first time yesterday, the British Museum spoke about a new collaboration it wants to develop with Greece.