New culture center in Ankara named after prominent artist Zülfü Livaneli

A new art center in the Turkish capital has been named after intellectual and artist Zülfü Livaneli, with the opening of the center in the Çankaya district of the city attended by Ankara Çankaya Mayor Alper Taşdelen and Livaneli himself.

“I feel great honor to introduce such work to Çankaya and to name the center after Zülfü Livaneli,” Taşdelen said at the opening ceremony over the weekend.

“Livaneli is a branch of the democracy, freedom, peace and brotherhood river that flows both in this country and in the world. He carries the conscience, struggle and idea of the intellectuals,” he added.

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/new-culture-center-in-ankara-named-after-prominent-artist-zulfu-livaneli-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=118082&NewsCatID=385 

Highest French order awarded to Zülfü Livaneli

Hürriyet daily news

Zülfü Livaneli will receive the Legion d’Honneur at a ceremony on July 3.

 
Turkish musician, composer, writer and director Zülfü Livaneli has been awarded France’s highest distinction, the Legion d’Honneur. 

The award will be presented to Livaneli at a July 3 ceremony at the French Palace in Istanbul by French Ambassador Laurent Bili. 

Other Turkish holders of the Legion d'Honneur from the world of arts and business include Yaşar Kemal, Ekrem Akurgal, Celal Atik, Behiç Erkin, Nilüfer Göle, Hicri Fişek, Ümit Boyner, Ara Güler, Sakıp Sabancı, İnan Kıraç, Oya Eczacıbaşı and Güler Sabancı. 

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).