Kemal receives award from France

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

The award symbolized respect for Yaşar Kemal’s sustained contributions to a variety of cultures and intercultural dialogue.

Renowned Turkish novelist and writer Yaşar Kemal will be decorated with the French Legion d’Honneur (Legion of Honor) at a ceremony Dec. 17 at the French Palace in Istanbul.

According to a written statement made by Yapı Kredi Cultural Activities, Arts, and Publishing Inc., Kemal will receive the honor from Army Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin, grand chancellor of the French National Order of the Legion of Honor.

The statement said the award symbolized respect for Kemal’s sustained contributions to a variety of cultures and intercultural dialogue.

The Legion d’Honneur was first established by Napoleon Bonaparte as a way to recognize civilians based on merit. The order is the highest decoration in France and is divided into five various degrees: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer) and Grand Croix (Grand Cross).