Turkish Professor Hayrettin Ivgin (66) won the Pushkin Prize presented for literary excellence by the Institute of Russian Literature (the Pushkin House) of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Ivgin who has written 44 books and over 2000 articles on literature and folklore was awarded for his novel "Manas" and his overall contriuton to the world literature.

"I am touched and honoured by the prize. I am excited to be the first Turk to receive this award, " said Ivgin.

Ivgin's works and articles are translated into Turkic languages and Chinese, Romanian, Italian, French, German, English and Russian.

He will receive the prize at a ceremony to be held in Moscow in December.


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