National News

ISLAMABAD, (MILLAT+APP): 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.