ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's national poet and great philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal was honoured in Turkey, through the conferment of 'Dost Award' for his services to Islam and the Muslims.
The impressive ceremony for the prestigious Dost Awards was held in Konya and Iqbal's grandson, Walid Iqbal, received the award on behalf of his family.
Turkish Minister for Culture and Tourism Nabi Avci handed over the Award to Walid Iqbal. Pakistan's Ambassador to Turkey Sohail Mahmood was also present on the occasion, a message received here Saturday said.
Konya Governor Yakup Canbolat, Konya Metropolitan Mayor Tahir Akyurek, Head of Istanbul Branch of Turkish Women Cultural Association Cemalnur Sargut and other distinguished scholars on Islam, Mevlana Rumi, and Iqbal from Turkey and abroad also attended the ceremony.
The awards ceremony, which was preceded by an international symposium and a mystic music concert, was organized by the Konya Provincial Culture and Tourism Directorate, International Mevlana Foundation, Turkish Women Cultural Association (TURKKAD) and the Kerim Education, Culture and Health Foundation.
Turkish Minister Nabi Avci in his address said, through this award, they honoured Allama Iqbal for his contributions to the cause of Muslim political thought which still inspired people throughout the world.
Walid Iqbal, in his speech, said holding of the awards ceremony in Konya had special importance keeping in view the spiritual connection between Iqbal and Rumi.
He said Iqbal in his poetry, especially in "Javid Nama", had referred to Rumi as Peer-e-Rumi or his mentor.
He also highlighted Iqbal's love for the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) as well as Iqbal's tremendous efforts for unity of the Muslim Ummah.
Prof. Dr. Mahmud Erol Kilic, also paid tributes to Muhammad Iqbal and quoted several verses from Iqbal's poetry, composed in solidarity with the Turkish martyrs of Tripoli and Canakkale wars during the Ottoman times.
Pakistan Ambassador Sohail Mahmood felicitated Iqbal's family and highlighted the depth of love, affection and respect among the Turkish people for Muhammad Iqbal because of his immense services for Islam and contributions to Turkish causes during the Balkan wars and Turkey's War of Independence.
Indeed, he said, Iqbal and his teachings continued to form part of the most enduring bonds between the Turkish and Pakistani nations.
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