CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2025
| Author | Aydin, Cagla |
|---|---|
| Title | Rewriting the Narrative of Neglect: The Parthenon Marbles and the Politics of Repatriation |
| Summary | This thesis revisits the long-standing debate over the Parthenon Marbles by critically examining one of the most enduring yet underexplored justifications for their removal: the claim that they were "rescued" from Ottoman neglect and destruction. Rather than treating this idea as historical fact, the research investigates how this narrative was constructed, how it gained authority, and whether it continues to influence discussions today. The main argument of this research is that this so-called rescue was never simply about preservation, but part of a broader effort to position the British as protectors of ancient heritage, and the Ottomans as unfit custodians. Drawing on early 19th century travel accounts, diplomatic correspondence, parliamentary records, and museum publications, the thesis traces how the image of the “barbaric Turk” took shape and became central to legitimizing the removal of the marbles. These texts did not only describe the Ottomans; they helped construct a story that made cultural extraction seem necessary, and even noble. However, the same sources also contain contradictions: moments of doubt, local resistance, and alternative perspectives that complicate the dominant narrative. By examining these overlooked details, this thesis offers a reassessment of not only how the marbles were taken, but also how their story was shaped, and whose voices were left out in the process. |
| Supervisor | C. Timothy Mckeown |
| Department | Historical Studies MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2025/aydin_cagla.pdf |
Visit the CEU Library.
© 2007-2025, Central European University