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- Ελληνικά
The International Academy of Arts, Sciences and Letters in Paris awarded on October 14, 2023, during the 108th official award ceremony held at the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand Hotel, a Gold Medal (vermeil) and Diploma to the Municipality of Karava and Dr. Nikos Hadjistefanou, Mayor of the occupied Municipality of Karava. According to the rationale of the award, Dr. Hadjistefanou was honoured for his personal career in the field of science and for his and the Municipality of Karava's contribution to cultural development. Specifically, they were awarded for their contribution to the inscription of the fervolite, the traditional lace of Karavas in the list of the intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO in 2016, the conservation of the fervolite through the organization of courses, for its dissemination in European countries, the participation in international exhibitions in Cyprus and abroad, the publication of a bilingual book entitled "The fervolite of Karavas", as well as for the planned international conference on the fervolite.
It should be noted that fervolites is not only a Cypriot tradition, but also part of our common cultural heritage in Europe. This is documented by the origin of the word "fervolites", which is French. In France, a similar lace is called 'frivolité', which means something created with circles. This lace is found, with a different structure, shape and method of construction, in other European countries such as Italy, Spain and Great Britain. In medieval times, a mansion was maintained in Karavas by the family of Matthew Palaiologos, whose wife was descended from a family of French noblemen. It seems that the art of Fervolian lace spread to Cyprus through this family. With the passage of time, Cypriot fervolite acquired its own traditional characteristics.
Dr. Hadjistefanou and the Municipality of Karavas were nominated for the award by the Cultural Advisor of the Academy, Mrs. Angela Mikallou Tzourtan, who was present at the ceremony, as was the Deputy Mayor Mr. Costas Constantinou. It is noteworthy that during the award ceremony, in the impressive "Opera" lounge of the historic 1862 "Intercontinental Paris Le Grand" hotel, the Academy chose the national anthem of the Republic of Cyprus as the background music, creating an atmosphere of deep emotion. The distinction of the Municipality and the Mayor of Karavas is a special honour for our country, given that the number of awardees from abroad was limited. The Embassy of the Republic in Paris was also present at the event, through its Press Attaché Mrs. Maria Hadjisavva. Dr. Hadjistefanou, in a brief statement made from the podium at the award ceremony, in a packed hall, sent a message in favour of peace, stating: "I dedicate this award to the land of Karava which has been occupied for fifty years and to its people who keep it alive until we return. The International Academy of Arts, Sciences and Letters in Paris, founded in 1915, annually honours some 300 French and foreign artists, writers, scientists and other personalities who have promoted literature, science and the arts through their actions.
The internationally renowned opera soloist Timur Rafikovitch Abdikeyev sang at the award ceremony. The awards ceremony was followed by a gala dinner.
(MH/NG/SX)
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