Priceless religious relic on the screen at the museum in Cyprus after they were stolen 50 years ago

The Byzantine Museum in Nicosia, Cyprus, opened a new exhibit in Smil early Christian relics with a distinct history.

Many Artifacts once stole robbers and trade on the black market after Turkish invasion in 1974. years, reuters reported.

Mysterious pyramids, ancient bronze coins discovered by archaeologists

Mosaics, icons and wall frescoes were drawn after they were stolen from churches north of the island.

The new exhibition in Cyprus shows the ancient religious relics previously stolen and selling on the black market during the invasion in the 1970s. (Reuters / Yiannis Kourtoglou)

The museum is still looking for many of Stolen itemsAccording to the Museum Director, Ioannis Eliades, they spent reuters.

“Robbery, destruction was greatly … We calculated that more than 20,000 icons were stolen and gone from churches,” Eliades said.

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Cyprus gained the independence of the British rule in 1960. year, but the tensions of the Greek Turk led to violence, and Turkey intervene in 1974. years after a terrible stroke and seized by the world’s World CIA book.

The museum is still looking for many stolen items, the director of the Museum Ioannis Eliades, were reported by Reuters. (Reuters / Yiannis Kourtoglou)

The North Turkish was held declared independent in 1983. years, but only recognized Turkey.

Cyprus joined European Union 2004. year, but EU laws are only applied in the Government-controlled areas, notes the fact.

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Mosaics from the beginning of an ad from 6. century from church From Panagia Kanakaria on Lythrongomy, they are presented and are known as rare archaeologists, surviving when the Byzantine emperor banned the use of religious paintings.

“Robbery, destruction was greatly … We calculated that more than 20,000 icons were stolen and gone from churches,” Eliades said. (Reuters / Yiannis Kourtoglou)

Review of Christ, Virgin MaryArchangels and the apostles were chopped into pieces and sold on the black market in the late 1970s.

Most of these pieces were later discovered in private collections that CIPR officials were acquired after the litigation.

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“We want the new generation to understand what happened further Our islandAnd why it is important to protect even the smallest piece we can bring (home), “Eliades added.

Reuters contributed to this report.