Gholam-Hossein Amirkhani decorated with top French honor

TEHRAN, (IRANART)- Master of Persian calligraphy Gholam-Hossein Amirkhani received a top French honor in Tehran on Tuesday from French Ambassador François Sénémaud who made him a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters.

Speaking during a ceremony held at the Embassy of France, Sénémaud praised Amirkhani for training many artists and creating numerous priceless works of Persian calligraphy.

He also acknowledged Amirkhani’s key role in the introduction of Persian culture and literature, and lauded his service to culture and art by inscribing masterpieces from Persian poets such as Sadi and Hafez.   

In a short speech, Amirkhani said, “What raises the hope in the hearts of people in today’s chaotic world is art.”

“Sooner or later, art will help the human community pass this chaotic stage to reach a moderate condition,” he added.

Amirkhani, 77, who is also the director of the Iran Calligraphers Association expressed his appreciation to the French government for the decoration and presented Sénémaud with one of his works.

The Order of Arts and Letters was established in 1957 to recognize eminent artists and writers, as well as people who have contributed significantly to furthering the arts in France and throughout the world.

The Order of Arts and Letters is awarded three times annually under the auspices of the Minister of Culture and Communication.

Iranian cartoonist Kambiz Derambakhsh also received the award in 2014.  

Source: Tehran Times