Turkish Antiquities Dealer Sends Photos of 6 Belts Associated with Syunik-Artsakh Culture: Collector

Collector of unique pieces of Armenian applied arts, Hamlet Hovsepyan, noted on his Facebook page: "A Turkish antiquities dealer I know has sent me photographs of six belts that are part of the Syunik-Artsakh culture. The belts were obtained from an antiquities dealer in Baku. Three of these belts feature Armenian inscriptions.

Understanding that a significant number of Armenians once lived in Baku, it is not surprising to find Armenian cultural artifacts there. However, the first thought that crossed my mind was whether these belts might have been looted from museums that came into the hands of the enemy after the last war in Artsakh. Do we have a list of collections from museums that are now under enemy control? Perhaps some website could present photographs and other information about the items in their possession. If they appear at auctions, it may at least be possible to return them.