Zülfü Livaneli presented with the French title

ISTANBUL - Doğan News Agency

At a ceremony at the French Palace, ambassador Laurent Bili presented the Legion d’Honneur, the highest decoration in France, to Zülfü Livaneli. DHA Photo

Turkish musician, composer, writer and director Zülfü Livaneli, who was awarded France’s highest distinction, the Legion d’Honneur this week, was presented with his award at a ceremony on July 3 at the French Palace. French ambassador Laurent Bili presented the award to Livaneli.

Ambassador Bili said Livaneli was an exceptional person of action. Speaking about his biography, he presented the award to Livaneli due to his friendship with France and its culture and his struggles for peace, freedom and human rights.

Livaneli said he was proud of the award because a country like France presented him with the award in the field of culture. “You don’t receive it as a single person, but you receive it with the environment that created you. I represent my own country’s culture. In this respect the medal was also given to Turkey,” he said.

Stating that France had been the second country of all artists for centuries, Livaneli said he did not expect to receive the award. “You don’t do anything to deserve this medal. They evaluate what you did or did not do. France has always impressed the world in every era as well as Turkey. French culture is like a shelter for our intellectuals and our intellectual actions. It has always appreciated artists,” he said.

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).