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Ancient Roman Bust Seized from Massachusetts Museum in Looting Probe 

The bust known as “Portrait of a Lady” was acquired in 1966 by the Worcester Art Museum. (Worcester Art Museum)
The bust known as “Portrait of a Lady” was acquired in 1966 by the Worcester Art Museum. (Worcester Art Museum)
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Ancient Roman Bust Seized from Massachusetts Museum in Looting Probe 

The bust known as “Portrait of a Lady” was acquired in 1966 by the Worcester Art Museum. (Worcester Art Museum)
The bust known as “Portrait of a Lady” was acquired in 1966 by the Worcester Art Museum. (Worcester Art Museum)

A bronze bust believed to depict the daughter of an ancient Roman emperor has been seized from an art museum in Massachusetts by New York authorities investigating antiquities stolen from Türkiye.

The seizure is the latest in an ongoing investigation into a smuggling network involving objects looted from Bubon in southwestern Türkiye and trafficked through Manhattan. A spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg did not provide further details of the investigation.

The bust known as “Portrait of a Lady” was acquired in 1966 by the Worcester Art Museum about 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of Boston. The seizure comes weeks after the Manhattan district attorney’s office seized a statue thought to portray the Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius from a Cleveland, Ohio, museum.

Worcester Art Museum officials said in a statement that the bust taken from their possession dates from A.D. 160 to 180 and is believed to be a life-sized portrayal of a daughter of Marcus Aurelius or another Roman emperor, Septimius Severus.

Museum officials said they had “limited information” about the bust’s history when they acquired it nearly six decades ago.

“We are very thankful for the new information provided to us,” said Matthias Waschek, the museum’s director. “The ethical standards applicable to museums are much changed since the 1960s, and the Museum is committed to managing its collection consistent with modern ethical standards.”

The bust shows a young woman with a heavy-lidded gaze and hair carefully combed into waves.

Marcus Aurelius ruled as Roman emperor from A.D. 161 to 180 and was a Stoic philosopher whose “Meditations” have been studied over the centuries. Septimius Severus’ reign from A.D. 193 to 211 was marked by his efforts to convert the government into a military monarchy.

Türkiye first made claims about the Marcus Aurelius statue in 2012 when it released a list of nearly two dozen objects in the Cleveland museum’s collection that it said had been looted from Bubon and other locations. Museum officials said at the time that Türkiye had provided no hard evidence of looting.

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‘Common Ground’ Event Celebrating Iraqi Culture Opens in Riyadh

The "Common Ground" event is held at Mega Studios in Riyadh. SPA
The "Common Ground" event is held at Mega Studios in Riyadh. SPA
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‘Common Ground’ Event Celebrating Iraqi Culture Opens in Riyadh

The "Common Ground" event is held at Mega Studios in Riyadh. SPA
The "Common Ground" event is held at Mega Studios in Riyadh. SPA

The "Common Ground" event, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, opens on Wednesday to the public until December 31 at Mega Studios in Riyadh, celebrating Iraqi culture and the historical and cultural bonds between the Kingdom and Iraq.

Visitors are set to embark on a rich journey filled with sensory, visual, and auditory experiences within an immersive environment that invites interaction and engagement with the cultures of both nations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event is divided into four main sections. The first features an art exhibition showcasing over 100 pieces by renowned Saudi and Iraqi artists, highlighting the deep cultural similarities and emphasizing significant historical milestones backed by thorough research. This section includes diverse cultural sectors that reflect an esthetic blend of creativity and cultural diversity in a harmonious setting. "The Host" segment offers a pathway titled "Dialogue Between Civilizations," which illustrates the interwoven histories of Saudi Arabia and Iraq, emphasizing their longstanding relationship and cultural connections.

The second section, "Al-Mutanabbi Street," presents an Arabic calligraphy mural, poems by Al-Mutanabbi, and the Shabandar Café. It highlights the cultural significance of the revered poet Al-Mutanabbi in Baghdad, creating an atmosphere that reflects authentic literary and cultural traditions with book-filled shops and seminars that delve into cultural and intellectual topics relevant to both countries. All this is complemented by musical performances that tie everything together with a rich cultural backdrop.

In the third section called "Realm of Melody and Authenticity," classical music concerts will create a fitting ambiance, featuring performances by leading Saudi and Iraqi artists. It will also honor various artists whose contributions have enriched the cultural and artistic scene.

"Path of Connection" is the fourth section that showcases diverse aspects of both Saudi and Iraqi cultures, deepening visitors’ experiences and familiarizing them with the cultural elements of each nation. A vibrant, creative area for children will offer enjoyable learning activities centered around the cultures of both countries, including heritage games, arts and crafts, and interactive storytelling.

The restaurant area promises a unique culinary experience featuring dishes that blend Saudi and Iraqi flavors reflecting both nations’ rich heritage and authentic culinary traditions. Visitors may also enjoy an array of hot and cold beverages, such as distinctly flavored Saudi coffee and traditional Iraqi tea, embodying the hospitality that is at the heart of Arab culture.

The event aims to deepen cultural understanding through innovative artistic experiences that showcase the civilizations of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. It highlights the shared heritage and arts of both nations and contributes to strengthening the cultural relations between their peoples.

This initiative reflects the Ministry of Culture's dedication to fostering international cultural exchange as part of the national cultural strategy under Saudi Vision 2030.