Turkey denies 'damage' claims surrounding ancient mosaics

ANKARA 

Turkey's Minister of Culture and Tourism Omer Celik denied on Wednesday recent media claims that ancient mosaics were damaged during restoration at a museum in the southern province of Hatay.

"The story published in the daily Hurriyet (on Tuesday) has no scientific grounds and it violates journalism ethics as well," Celik told Anadolu Agency.

"The Isis mosaic in question has not been damaged at all and the photos published in the daily have clearly been altered as proven by an investigation into the incident," the minister said, adding that the conservation work on the mosaic was still ongoing and that the museum was open to visitors.

The Isis mosaic is a historic depiction of an ancient Egyptian goddess. 

“Our ministry is showing utmost sensitivity regarding the preservation of cultural assets,” Celik said. “We expect the same sensitivity from Hurriyet and other media corporations who run stories that mislead the public.”