Turkish presidency awards excellence in culture, art

By Baris Gundogan

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday presented this year's Culture and Arts Grand Awards at the presidential complex in the capital Ankara.

Turkish author and retired lecturer Sadettin Okten won the award for cultural history. Celile Eren Okten received the award on his behalf.

The award in the field of music was given to Ozdemir Erdogan while the social sciences award went to Ismail Kara.

Renowned director Dervis Zaim was given the award in cinema. Emre Oskay received the award on his behalf.

The literature prize was awarded to Ibrahim Tenekeci, while collector Mehmet Cebi was also awarded.

The loyalty award was given to Necmeddin Okyay, a calligraphist who died on Jan. 5, 1976. Ali Mecdi Okyay received the award in the name of late Okyay.

Addressing the award ceremony, Erdogan praised Anatolia, the Turkish heartland, for being an inspiration to produce artistic masterpieces.