FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Turkish authorities have seized a 1,200-year-old Torah, adorned with gold script on leather, along with other valuable artifacts in Istanbul.
The Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command carried out the operation on February 20 after receiving intelligence that two trafficking networks were seeking a buyer to sell the historical artifacts abroad.
The Torah, measuring 2 meters in length and 15 centimeters in width, was reportedly set to be sold for $1.5 million.
In addition to the Torah, authorities seized 550 coins from the Ancient Greek Pontus Amisos period, 51 coins from the Byzantine era, 15 historical objects, two rings, a protective case for the Torah, and two mallets.
Six suspects were arrested during the operation. They were brought to court but later released under judicial control as the investigation continues.