In the ceremony held to reopen the Soroca Fortress on May 16, the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party Vlad Filat handed over the copy of Stephan the Great’s sword, which he received from the ex-Premier of Turkey Recep Tayyp Erdogan as a gift in 2012, to the director of the museum complex, IPN reports, quoting a press release of the party.

“The Soroca Fortress is a medieval jewel that forms part of the historical and cultural heritage not only of Moldova, but also of the whole Europe, while the reopening of this museum complex after renovation represents a remarkable event,” the former Premier said in the inaugural ceremony.

According to the politician, this is one of the most treasured and precious component of the inheritance left by Ruler Stephan the Great and Holy, which must be transmitted to the future generations. The Soroca Fortress will now become even more popular and will attract more tourists so that Moldova’s history becomes better known in the world.

The original of Stephan the Great’s sword is in the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. Stephan the Great received the sword as a gift from Pope Sixt IV after the Vaslui battle in recognition of Moldova’s decisive role in defending Christianity. The sword was made of Toledo steel, which was the best metal that existed in the Middle Ages for making weapons. It is 2.5 kg in weight and 125 cm in length.

The Soroca Fortress was restored within the Transfrontier Project “Medieval Jewels: Hotin, Soroca, Suceava Fortresses” that is financed by the European Union.

Recep Tayyp Erdogan is currently the President of Turkey.