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Parthenon Marbles Dispute
The ongoing dispute over the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, fueled by a historical legend and recent political shifts in the UK.
Spanish
Spain
PoliticsInternational RelationsEuropean UnionHistoryCultural HeritageMuseums
British MuseumUnescoGreek Ministry Of CultureLabour PartyConservative Party
Melina MercouriLina MendoniKeir StarmerLisa NandyNicholas Cullinan
- What is the legend surrounding the Parthenon during the Greek War of Independence?
- The legend says that during the Greek War of Independence in 1821, desperate Ottomans in the Acropolis dismantled the Parthenon to make bullets, but Greek revolutionaries offered their own ammunition to prevent further damage.
- What are the main arguments of Greece and the British Museum regarding the acquisition of the Parthenon Marbles?
- Greece argues the Parthenon Marbles were illegally removed, while the British Museum claims they were legally acquired with the Ottoman Sultan's permission; however, Turkey recently confirmed the non-existence of the alleged permit.
- What are the current positions of the British Museum and the Labour Party on the return of the Parthenon Marbles?
- While the British Museum initially suggested a loan instead of returning the marbles, recent statements from the Labour Party indicate a willingness to address the situation, describing the acquisition as 'theft', though the specifics remain unclear.
- How has the recent political change in the UK impacted the debate surrounding the return of the Parthenon Marbles?
- The recent change in leadership in the UK, with Keir Starmer's Labor Party victory, has brought renewed hope for Greece, as the new culture minister is known for decolonial approaches, and there have been statements suggesting a potential solution to the issue.
- Who popularized the legend of the Parthenon and its connection to the return of the marbles, and where did it happen?
- Melina Mercouri, a Greek actress and politician, used a speech at Oxford in 1986 to popularize the legend and to push for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum.