Iran to Honor US Scholar Carl Ernst

Iran's Ministry of science Research and Technology is set to pay tribute to American scolar of sufism,professor Carl .W.Ernst.The north Carolina University professor of religious studies will be awarded the farabi International award for his 1996 book on Ruzbihan Baqli ,the 12th century persian poet. Ernst's book has been translated into persian twice and is widely used in Iranian universities.Ernst attended a conference in Iran earlier this month,during which he called for increased academic and cultural cooperation between Iran and the U.S .American Mowlavi expert,William Chittick and George Washington university lawyer,Miriam Galston will also be honored during the ceremony.Carl W.Ernst is an expert in Islamic studies,who has conducted extensive research into Islam and sufism.His recent book,Following Muhammad: Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World has received several international awards,including the 2004 Bashrahil prize for outstanding cultural Achievement.