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‘A search for anything to sell in ancient walls’: How Covid sparked a rush of antiquities looting in Turkey Lale Elmacıoğlu
Cultural assets, including ancient ruins, are protected sites in Turkey. However, since the Covid-19 pandemic, looters have been taking advantage of the lengthy absence of guards and wardens, causing a rise in treasure hunting escapades and destruction of cultural assets across the country.
Throughout last year, several individuals were captured carrying out illegal excavations in archaeological sites as they tried to find golden historical artefacts in cities like Edirne, Igdir, Kastamonu and others. Some even used tools such as demolition hammers, dynamite and drills in their search for antiquities.