The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has announced that Dr. István Zelnik, a Hungarian private collector, has agreed to return a huge collection of Khmer cultural heritage objects (ancient Cambodian treasures) that he owns back to Cambodia.
The Story Behind the Return
This repatriation (the return of items to their home country) comes after several years of discussions. It is part of the Ministry’s ongoing work to find and reclaim Cambodian cultural items that were lost or stolen over the years.
Dr. Zelnik, who is now in his seventies, has spent decades collecting art from across Asia, including Khmer art. In the early 2000s, he set up the Hungarian Southeast Asian Institute. Through this Institute, and with Dr. Zelnik’s funding, significant research has been done at the ancient sites of Angkor and Koh Ker, including using modern scanning technology (LIDAR). This research also helped Cambodia successfully apply to have Koh Ker added to the World Heritage List.
What Is Coming Back?
The collection being returned to Cambodia is significant. It includes:
- 183 pieces of Khmer silk textiles—a remarkable group that will greatly boost the National Museum’s existing textile collection.
- Prehistoric artifacts like coins, beads, jewelry, and items made of precious metals, bronze, stone, and clay.
The Ministry noted that many of these objects were looted (stolen) from Cambodia during the civil war decades ago. The return also includes other important pieces, such as stone and bronze objects from both the time before Angkor and the Angkor period.
Gratitude and A Call to Action
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts expressed its deep gratitude to Dr. István Zelnik for his commendable decision. Dr. Zelnik has a history of goodwill, having previously returned other Khmer artifacts and greatly contributing to Cambodia’s cultural preservation through supporting archaeological research and publishing scholarly books.
H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, stated that the peace and political stability achieved in Cambodia have allowed the country to reclaim its history and its treasures. She thanked both the former Prime Minister, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, and the current Prime Minister, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, for their unwavering support in protecting and promoting Cambodian culture.
The Ministry also thanked the team, particularly Mr. Bradley J. Gordon and his associates, for their active help in researching, identifying, and negotiating the return of these lost properties.
An Example to Follow
The Ministry views this voluntary return as an example that others should follow. They are encouraging all private collectors and institutions worldwide that have Cambodian artifacts to cooperate with the Royal Government. This can be done through the Ministry or Cambodian embassies abroad, to help bring Khmer cultural property back to its homeland.
The press release concluded by stating that the Royal Government considers the return of Khmer cultural heritage a noble and honorable gesture. It reflects a strong ethical responsibility to safeguard a nation’s identity and contributes meaningfully to preserving the world’s shared cultural history.
READ MORE: Cambodia UNESCO World Heritage List
