Nicosia: University Archaeologist and Art Historian, Founder and President of the Center for Natural and Cultural Heritage, Dr. Sophocles Sophocleous, was honored with the rank of Officer (Officier) of the French Order of Arts and Letters (Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) during a ceremony at the French Embassy in Nicosia.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Dr. Sophocleous expressed that the award motivates him to further his contribution in scientific research, letters, and arts, along with promoting the French language and culture not only in Cyprus but also globally through his publications, international conference presentations, and public lectures. The press release from the Center for Natural and Cultural Heritage noted these sentiments during the award ceremony held last week.
Dr. Sophocleous initially received recognition in 2011 with the rank of Knight (Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres, French Republic) for his groundbreaking 30-year work in archaeology, art history, and especially cultural heritage, notably as the first to highlight Cyprus by establishing the Cultural Heritage Center. Additionally, he was the primary founder of the Association of Cypriot Archaeologists and served as its first president.
The press release also highlighted that Dr. Sophocleous's promotion to the rank of Officer was authorized by the current French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati. This promotion acknowledges his extensive 40-year pioneering work and his innovative research, particularly in the field of natural heritage and its interaction with cultural heritage.