Meaning: This quote by Melina Mercouri, a Greek actress and politician, reflects the concern and passion that many Greeks have for the preservation and protection of their cultural heritage, particularly the Acropolis treasures. The Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Athens, Greece, is a symbol of ancient Greek civilization and is home to several significant architectural and artistic masterpieces, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Propylaea.

Melina Mercouri's quote alludes to the historical context in which the Acropolis treasures were at risk of being neglected or even damaged, particularly during the period of Ottoman rule in Greece. The Turks, who ruled over Greece for nearly 400 years, have been criticized for their perceived lack of concern for the preservation of the Acropolis and its treasures. This sentiment has been echoed by many Greeks who have expressed a deep sense of attachment and responsibility towards the protection of their cultural heritage.

During the Ottoman era, the Acropolis and its monuments suffered various forms of neglect and damage. The Parthenon, for example, was converted into a mosque and later used as a gunpowder storage facility, leading to an explosion that caused significant destruction to the structure. Additionally, the removal and looting of ancient artifacts from the Acropolis by foreign collectors and archaeologists further fueled concerns about the preservation of these treasures.

Melina Mercouri's quote also reflects her own personal dedication to the preservation of Greek cultural heritage. Throughout her career as an actress and later as a politician, Mercouri was a vocal advocate for the return of the Parthenon Marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles, which were removed from the Parthenon by Lord Elgin, a British diplomat, in the early 19th century.

In 1983, Mercouri, who was then serving as the Minister of Culture in Greece, launched an international campaign for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece. She argued that the marbles, which are currently housed in the British Museum in London, rightfully belong to Greece and should be reunited with the remaining fragments on the Acropolis. Mercouri's passionate advocacy on this issue brought global attention to the cultural significance of the marbles and their rightful place in the context of the Acropolis.

The quote also highlights the ongoing debate and diplomatic efforts surrounding the repatriation of cultural artifacts, not only in the case of the Parthenon Marbles, but also in the broader context of cultural heritage preservation. The issue of repatriation has become a focal point in discussions about cultural ownership, restitution, and the ethical considerations of displaying artifacts with contested provenance in foreign museums.

In conclusion, Melina Mercouri's quote underscores the enduring significance of the Acropolis treasures to the Greek people and the broader global community. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to safeguard cultural heritage and the deep emotional and historical connections that individuals and nations have with their artistic and architectural legacies. The quote also resonates with the ongoing discourse on the repatriation of cultural artifacts, shedding light on the complex dynamics of cultural ownership and the responsibility to preserve and protect the world's cultural heritage for future generations.