COLLECTIONS OF THE LIBRARY OF ELBASSY. ORDER OF THE LEGION OF HONOR

The foundations of friendly relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the French Republic were laid in 1992 during the official visit of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N. Nazarbayev to this country.  Then the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Understanding was signed, which resulted in the expansion of humanitarian contacts, cooperation in the sphere of economy, culture, education, and science between the two peoples. In 2008, N.Nazarbayev was awarded the order of the Legion of Honor.

The order of the Legion of Honor is the highest award in France, awarded to military and civilian personnel for outstanding services to the country in peace and wartime, and can also be awarded to citizens of other states. The order was established by Napoleon Bonaparte on May 19, 1802, by the example of knightly orders. According to the code, this honorary organization had the status and rights of a legal entity and united the most worthy citizens who rendered significant services to the Republic. The first presentation of the award took place in 1804 – orders of various degrees were received by about seven thousand people, mostly military personnel.

The appearance of the order has changed many times, the modern form was approved in 1870 (later minor changes were made). In the center is a gold medallion with the image of Marianne's female profile, symbolizing the image of the Republic. The medallion is surrounded by a blue enamel ring with the inscription: "French Republic". On the reverse of the sign in the center are crossed flag and standard, around them are inscribed the motto of the order "Honor and homeland" and the date of its establishment -"29 Floreal X year" (May 19, 1802).

All matters relating to the order are decided by the Council of the order (15 commanders, 1 officer and 1 cavalier), headed by the Grand Chancellor, who is appointed by the President of France for a period of 4 years. The Council reviews submissions for awarding various degrees of the order, selects candidates, and submits them for approval by the Grand Chancellor. Decrees on the award of the order are signed by the President of France, who is the Grandmaster of the order, and he has the right to make final decisions on this award.