The diplomatic tension between Greece and the United Kingdom over the Parthenon Sculptures housed at the British Museum has escalated recently. Greece’s administration has accused the UK of avoiding discussions on the contested sculptures, more popularly known as the Elgin Marbles. Despite repeated requests from Greece for a permanent return of these sculptures, both Britain and the British Museum have consistently refused.
The Parthenon Sculptures: An Artistic and Cultural Treasure
The Parthenon Sculptures, currently in the custody of the British Museum, consist of a collection of over 30 ancient stone sculptures from Greece. These pieces of art, with a history extending beyond 2,000 years, were once the adornments of the Parthenon temple situated on the Acropolis hill in Athens. The temple was completed in 432 BC, during Athens’ Golden Age, and dedicated to the goddess Athena. Consequently, the Parthenon is considered a symbol of cultural and historical importance.
The collection includes an impressive piece spanning 75 meters that depicts a procession in celebration of Athena’s birthday. Other sculptures portray various gods, heroes, and mythical creatures, emphasizing the artistic wealth and cultural importance of these artifacts.
The Journey of the Sculptures to Britain
In the early 19th century, Thomas Bruce, the 7th Earl of Elgin and then-British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, removed these marbles from the Parthenon. These were brought to Britain and bought by the British Museum in 1816.
Controversies Surrounding the Sculptures
The British Museum maintains that Lord Elgin legally acquired these sculptures through a contract with the Ottoman Empire. However, Athens accuses Elgin of theft, despite his claims of obtaining official permissions for his actions. The original permission letter has not survived, causing further controversies regarding the authenticity of Elgin’s claim.
Overview of the Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire was founded in the late 13th century by Osman I. Starting as a small Anatolian state, it gradually expanded its territory through military conquests.
Under the leadership of Mehmed II, the Ottomans captured Constantinople in 1453, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire. The empire reached its peak during the 16th and 17th centuries under Suleiman the Magnificent, controlling vast territories spanning three continents – Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Administrative Structure, Cultural Legacy, and Decline
The Ottoman Empire was renowned for its sophisticated administrative system, with a centralized government headed by the Sultan. The Ottomans also introduced a legal system known as the “kanun”, further amplifying the empire’s cultural influence.
However, the empire began to decline in the late 17th century, suffering military defeats, internal strife, and economic challenges. The 19th century witnessed a series of reforms called the Tanzimat, aimed at modernizing the empire. Nevertheless, the empire found it hard to keep pace with the rapidly changing global environment.
Its association with World War I and the Central Powers led to its collapse and subsequent partitioning by the victorious Allies. In 1923, the Republic of Turkey emerged from the debris of the dissolved Ottoman Empire, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal. This marked the end of the six-century-long existence of the empire.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
A question in the 2019 UPSC Civil Services Examination reads: In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka? The options are (a) Kanganahalli (b) Sanchi (c) Shahbazgarhi (d) Sohgaura. The correct answer is (a).