ISTANBUL/ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national poet and philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal was honoured in Turkey through the conferment of Dost Award for his services to Islam and the Muslims.
The ceremony for the prestigious Dost Award was held in Konya and Iqbal’s grandson, Walid Iqbal, received the award on behalf of his family. Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Nabi Avci presented the award to Iqbal. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Sohail Mahmood, Konya Governor Yakup Canbolat, Konya Metropolitan Mayor Tahir Akyurek and Turkish Women Cultural Association Istanbul Branch Head Cemalnur Sargut also attended the ceremony.
The award ceremony, which was preceded by an international symposium and a mystic music concert, was organised 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 said that through this award they had honoured Allama Iqbal for his contributions to the cause of Muslim political thought which still inspired people throughout the world.
Walid Iqbal said that the award ceremony had special importance keeping in view the spiritual connection between Iqbal and Rumi. He said Iqbal, especially in Javid Nama, had referred to Rumi as Peer-e-Rumi or his mentor. He also highlighted Iqbal’s love for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as well as Iqbal’s tremendous efforts for unity of the Muslims.
Dr Mahmud Erol Kilic also paid tributes to Iqbal and quoted several verses from his poetry, composed in solidarity with the Turkish martyrs of Tripoli and Canakkale Wars during the time of Ottoman rule.
Ambassador Mahmood felicitated Iqbal’s family and highlighted the depth of love, affection and respect among the Turkish people for Iqbal because of his immense services for Islam and contributions to the Turkish cause during the Balkan wars and Turkey’s War of Independence.
He said Iqbal and his teachings continued to form part of the most enduring bonds between the Turkish and Pakistani nations.
