Phnom penh: Dr. Istv¡n Zelnik, a Hungarian national and private collector, has agreed to return to Cambodia an extensive collection of Khmer cultural heritage objects currently in his possession, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts announced this evening. The return followed several years of negotiations as part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to search for and reclaim lost Khmer cultural heritage.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Dr. Istv¡n Zelnik has been collecting art objects from across the Asian region, including Khmer art, for several decades. In the early 2000s, Dr. Zelnik established the Hungarian Southeast Asian Institute. Under the Institute, significant scientific research has been carried out at Angkor and Koh Ker, with financial support from Dr. Zelnik, including archaeological surveys, LIDAR investigations, and historical studies. These efforts have also contributed to the nomination of Koh Ker for inscription on the World Heritage List.
Among the significant Khmer cultural heritage objects to be returned to Cambodia under this agreement are 183 pieces of Khmer silk textiles, prehistoric artifacts such as coins, beads, jewelry, and items made of precious metals, bronze, stone, and clay. Many of these objects were looted from Cambodia during decades of civil war. The return also includes several other important collections, such as stone and bronze objects from both the Pre-Angkor and Angkor periods.
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts expressed gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Istv¡n Zelnik, who has made the commendable decision to return an extensive collection of Khmer cultural heritage objects to Cambodia. Dr. Zelnik has previously repatriated several Khmer artefacts and has significantly contributed to Cambodia’s cultural preservation efforts through his support for archaeological research projects and scholarly publications on cultural heritage, inscriptions, and contemporary Khmer art.
H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, emphasized the role of peace and political stability in Cambodia, achieved through the Win-Win Policy of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, in reclaiming the souls of Khmer ancestors and recovering looted treasures. She also expressed gratitude to Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei, Prime Minister of Cambodia, for his unwavering commitment to protecting, conserving, and promoting national culture and civilization.
The Minister also acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts team and Mr. Bradley J. Gordon of Edenbridge Asia, for their active collaboration in researching, identifying, and negotiating the return of lost Khmer cultural heritage properties to Cambodia.
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts calls upon all private collectors and institutions worldwide to cooperate with the Royal Government of Cambodia in facilitating the return of Khmer cultural property to its homeland. The repatriation of Khmer cultural heritage is regarded as a noble and honorable gesture, reflecting a profound sense of ethical responsibility in safeguarding a nation’s identity and contributing to the preservation of humanity’s shared cultural legacy.