Turkey: Police seize 13th-century painting of Jesus

By Ramazan Kaya

KAYSERI, Turkey (AA) – Turkish police have seized a 13th-century painting depicting the crucifixion of Jesus, security sources said on Tuesday.

The find came when police raided the office of a suspected antiquities smuggler in the central Turkish province of Kayseri, said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Turkish forces seized the painting, measuring 200 x 140 centimeters, showing the crucified Jesus with two women and a man standing alongside, and including Latin and Hebrew writing.

The suspect was arrested and authorities are investigating the painting’s provenance.