Turkish Police recovered two stolen ancient Torah scrolls, among other artefacts, during anti-smuggling raids in southern coastal Adana province.

The scrolls were found during search of the houses and vehicles in an anti-smuggling operation. One of the manuscripts is written on gazelle leather, but the places of origin of the manuscripts are not yet known. Among other seized artefacts are objects dated to the Hellenistic and Seljuq periods. The smugglers are believed to have brought the artefacts from Istanbul and eastern province of Bingöl. Among the other artefacts were metal statues, stone sculptures, jewellery such as bracelets, and earrings from the Hellenistic period, as well as 200 ancient silver and bronze coins minted during the reign of the Anatolian Seljuk state (11-14th century AD).

(after Sabah Photo, Daily Sabah & Hurriyet Daily News)