Iran to return 7-century-old bell to Turkey

Iran will return a 7-century-old church bell to Turkey, Turkish media reported.

The vice-chair of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization Mirhadi Kareseyyed-Romiani said that Iran will return all historical artifacts to the countries of their origin in line with legal procedures.

He noted that this policy is based on improving friendly relations with Iran's neighbors, the Daily Sabah reported.

Estimated to be from the 14th century, the church bell originally belonged to the Saint Mary Church in Turkey's eastern Van province and was brought to Iran during wartime.

It has been on display at the Urmia Anthropology Museum in Iran's West Azerbaijan province.