Thousands of Achaemenid-era clay tablets returned from US to Iran
Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi returned to Tehran from New York after participating in the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, bringing with him thousands of historical clay tablets from the Achaemenid Empire.
“Thanks to proper follow-ups by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicraft Organization, the permanent mission of Iran to the United Nations in New York and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the tablets of the Achaemenid Empire, which were being kept in the United States, at the Center for East Asian Studies at the University of Chicago (CEAS) for 84 years were repatriated to Iran,” Raeisi told reporters upon arrival at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport, Tasnim news agency reported.
“It is questionable why the tablets were in the possession of Americans. The scientists who worked on the tablets are of Iranian origin, and have been undertaking studies on them for more than 10 years.”
Earlier on Thursday, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage and Tourism Ezzatollah Zarghami in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, stated that he was at the airport to welcome Raeisi and 3,506 artifacts.
“Continuous follow-ups produced results and finally nine boxes, each weighing 75 kg, containing a valuable collection of the cultural and civilizational heritage of the country, were returned from the US,” he wrote.
Earlier, Iranian government spokesman Ali Bahadori Jahromi told reporters about the return of the clay tablets from the Achaemenid period. “The president will bring souvenirs of Iran’s culture, civilization, and history tonight when he returns from his trip to the US,” he said, referring to the tablets that were taken out during the Pahlavi rule.
President Raeisi announced that 3,506 clay tablets were repatriated and will be displayed at Tehran’s National Museum of Iran, which houses a wide array of archaeological collections and is among the prime tourist attractions in the Iranian capital.
Raeisi emphasized that participation in the annual UN General Assembly provides an opportunity for interaction and clarification of states’ positions.
“The two important issues of amplification of Iran’s position as well as safeguarding the country’s interests and values were underscored during the event and separate meetings with heads of state,” he said.
“Those who do not pay attention to values, at times they will allow themselves to serve others’ interests. Protection of values is therefore of paramount significance. Homage to the Holy Qur’an is an important issue as it constitutes our identity. Emphasis on family values is also of significance to us and human societies, and should be paid attention to by anyone.”
“We had 20 meetings and interviews with journalists, scholars, and politicians. During the meetings, Iran’s positions were made clear. The main focus of the meetings with the heads of more than 10 states was to elaborate on Iran’s trade and economic relations with other countries as well as regional and extra-regional institutions,” Raeisi said. The Iranian president also highlighted Tehran’s readiness to cooperate and work with various countries and international organizations, particularly concerning political and economic ties.