Turkish director awarded honorary title in Italy

By Baris Seckin

ROME (AA) – Italy’s Salento University honored famed Turkish director Ferzan Ozpetek on Thursday.

He was awarded the title “Ambassador of Salento” for his fundamental role in promoting Salento in southeast Italy and making the beauty of the territory known.

Ozpetek has been living in Italy for 43 years and said he is proud and grateful for being honored with such an award.

The acclaimed director of a dozen films, Ozpetek enjoys a large audience in Italy, Turkey and worldwide.

His films regularly win attention and awards at global film festivals.

In 2008, Ozpetek received the Stella di Solidarieta (Star of Solidarity) order, awarded by then-President Giorgio Napolitano for his services to humanity and the environment.

He also received the Italian Order of Merit, the country’s highest honor, in Rome on Nov. 4 this year.

Italy’s Order of Merit is given in five degrees for long and conspicuous service in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, public service, and for social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities.

*Writing by Havva Kara Aydin