The BA Receives the Calouste Gulbenkian Prize
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In a ceremony that was recently held in Lisbon, Portugal, Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Library of Alexandria, received the Calouste Gulbenkian Prize which distinguishes an individual or institution whose thoughts or actions make a decisive contribution to, and have significant impact on understanding, defending or fostering the universal values of respect for diversity and difference, and the culture of tolerance.
In the words of the jury, “the Library of Alexandria is unique in the sense that it represents a large Egyptian library, international in scope, endowed with the mission of serving as a centre of learning, tolerance, dialogue and understanding between cultures and peoples as well as a leading institution in the digital era.”
From among the 70 nominations received, the jury presided over by Jorge Sampaio, the Former President of Portugal, chose to honour the Library of Alexandria, that last year completed its tenth anniversary.
A pioneer in the oil industry, a demanding art collector, a diplomat and philanthropist, Calouste Gulbenkian’s long path, from his childhood in Istanbul to the latter years of his life in Lisbon, shaped his personality and influenced the Foundation that he decided to create in Portugal.