Egypt and UNESCO Are Joining Forces to Bring Ancient Treasures Home

Egypt’s Heritage Homecoming: The Big Return of Ancient Treasures

It looks like Egypt’s treasures are finally making their way back home one artefact at a time.

Over the past few years, Egypt has been on a determined mission to reclaim pieces of its ancient past that were scattered across the globe. From small statues and jewelry to grand stone carvings, thousands of artefacts have found their way back to Cairo, thanks to a mix of diplomacy, detective work, and a lot of passion for heritage.

According to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, around 30,000 antiquities have been successfully returned from abroad in recent years an impressive number by any standard. In 2025 alone, artefacts made their way back from the UK, Germany, France, and even Turkey, where 152 historical items were handed back in February.

These efforts come amid renewed global conversations about the rightful ownership of cultural treasures. While many people have seen headlines claiming that Egypt has “announced the return of all its artefacts abroad” with UNESCO’s help — that’s not quite confirmed. There’s no official global agreement yet, but cooperation between Egypt and UNESCO remains strong under the long-standing 1970 convention against illicit cultural trafficking.

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Still, the momentum is real. Every successful repatriation is a small victory, not just for Egypt, but for the idea that cultural heritage belongs where it was born. And with the Grand Egyptian Museum finally open, a breathtaking new home for over 50,000 artefacts — Egypt is ready to welcome its treasures back in style.

The Rosetta Stone might still be sitting in London, but who knows? With Egypt’s growing success in bringing back its history, the call for the return of iconic pieces is louder than ever.

One thing’s for sure: Egypt’s story isn’t just about the past anymore, it’s about reclaiming it for the future.