Melina Mercouri's Plea for the Return of the Parthenon Sculptures: A Legacy Continues

On July 29, 1982, Melina Mercouri, Greece's Minister of Culture and Sciences, addressed the World Conference on Cultural Policies organized by UNESCO in Mexico. In her powerful speech, she made a compelling case for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece, highlighting their enduring significance.

Today, July 29, 2024, the Parthenon Sculptures remain in London, and Greece continues its struggle to have them returned. Melina Mercouri’s words from 1982 still resonate deeply and underscore the ongoing relevance of her message.

Here is an excerpt from Mercouri’s speech that remains as impactful now as it was 37 years ago:

“Lord Elgin claimed his actions were driven by idealism, asserting that it was necessary to save these marbles from 'uncultivated hands and indifferent spirits.' Let me share a story with you:

During the Ottoman occupation of the Acropolis, the Ottoman forces, under siege by the Greek army of national liberation, began to destroy the columns to extract lead for cannonballs. The Greek forces sent them a historic message: 'Don’t touch the columns of the Acropolis; we will send you cannonballs.' And they did. It was these 'uncultivated hands' that carried the cannonballs and these 'indifferent spirits' who sacrificed their lives to defend their heritage.

Our great poet Yannis Ritsos captured the sentiment of our people when he wrote: 'These stones cannot make do with less sky.'

It is time for these marbles to return to the blue sky of Attica, to their rightful place, where they will be integral to a unified whole. This comes at a time when Greeks, with global support, are undertaking a monumental effort to preserve the Acropolis, threatened by time and pollution.

The Greek government has entrusted me with the responsibility of announcing that Greece, through UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Promotion of the Return of Cultural Property, is preparing an official request for the return of the Acropolis marbles, using formal procedures and existing legislation in England.

We understand that the world may evolve and that museums cannot be emptied. However, we emphasize that this request is not for a painting or statue but for a crucial part of a unique monument, a symbol of an entire culture.

Greece also appeals to other nations with similar experiences, asserting that scattered cultural treasures must be returned to their places of origin. These artefacts represent the historical and cultural heritage of their creators.

As Hobhouse, the future Lord Bronkton, was told during a visit to Athens in 1809: 'You English have taken from us the works of our ancestors. Look after them well because the day will come when the Greeks will ask for them back.'

Our English friends have indeed cared for these marbles well; now, with resolute clarity, we are asking for their return.

Fellow delegates, Mr. Director-General of UNESCO, our request is entirely legitimate. In the name of civilization and justice, we seek your moral support. I am confident we will receive it.”

Melina Mercouri, July 29, 1982

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