- Elgin Marbles’ Greeks Controversy
- Cultural Significance Emphasized
- Calls for Collaborative Restitution
Despite being removed from their most revered landmark and hastily transported to the United Kingdom over two centuries ago, the Elgin Marbles continue to evoke feelings of injustice among the overwhelming majority of Greeks.
It was not the case that anyone in my vicinity would refer to them by that name; instead, they were repeatedly referred to as the Parthenon Sculptures, a term coined to denounce the British assertion of ownership over the age-old treasures that were nearly universally believed to have been pilfered in a callous act of imperial thievery by Lord Elgin.
Consensus on Greek Property
We encountered the most predictable consensus among individuals of all ages in the bustling center of Athens.
“By that, I mean, the Parthenon and its sculptures are Greek property.” “Surely, let’s be fair?” Melina Petrou, a 21-year-old pilot apprentice, stated as much.
“A great example would be what the prime minister said about the Mona Lisa.” “Half of it would be in the Louvre, and the other half in another country; the United Kingdom stole half of the sculptures to do so; that is not at all fair.”
However, wouldn’t the act of relocating the friezes pose a significant threat to their integrity? Do they not fare better at the British Museum, as the government of Great Britain contends?
When I was a resident of London, I recall observing the British Museum one day and noticing that the roof was seeping. Furthermore, they assert that they must remain in London until they recover! They must return to their native Greece.”
A museum was built at the base of the Acropolis to house the missing artefacts until they were found. It has been fourteen years since its inception, and they are still awaiting the return of its centerpiece.
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The outline of missing Parthenon components is emphasized within the structure, accompanied by an explanation of their present whereabouts. Italy and other nations have offered to return valuable Greek artefacts, but the UK has not.
Ongoing Call for Restitution
The cancellation of the meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has not increased public opinion of the United Kingdom.
Mr. Sunak erroneously assumed that severing the discussions at 10 Downing Street would be regarded as a minor diplomatic dispute.
Cabinet minister Adonis Georgiadis expressed his hurt and every Greek citizen’s hurt on Tuesday evening.
“I convey my esteem for your prime minister; however, he committed an error. We share a sorrowful day regarding our relationship.
Mr. Georgiadis is vice-president for New Democracy, the political party that emerged victorious in the Greek national election this year.
He said all citizens, regardless of politics, agreed to return the treasures.
“The Parthenon is the property of all civilized people, not just the Greeks.” It symbolizes the classical ideals from which human rights, philosophy, poetry, and democracy originated.
He expressed concern that the sculptures were being kept away from their rightful location, labeling it a “disgrace” and urging the British Museum to devise a “reasonable resolution” to a situation that was not under its control.
Greek Minister on Cultural Restitution
Wednesday, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis reaffirmed this position, stating that Greece’s claim to the sculptures is “not only founded on justice and history, but also on their ecumenical cultural significance.”
“Notwithstanding this, we must collaborate with the United Kingdom, and we intend to do so in the future to strengthen the enduring history between our two countries,” he said.
Amidst the nocturnal consumers traversing the adorned thoroughfares of Athens, which were adorned with Christmas embellishments, the charitable contributions to the establishment diminished.
“This is all about money,” Ilias, 49, stated.
With the marble, the British Museum would continue to display these great historical artefacts.
However, what would occur if they were to return to Athens? What mindset would the nation be in?
“The Greeks would be overjoyed beyond measure.” “The British are extremely reasonable and equitable; I believe they would also be delighted,” Ilias stated. “It would be good for the whole world.”
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