ARMENIAN ARTIST HAKVERDIAN’S WORKS TO BE RELEASED IN TURKEY
Hurriyet
Aug 3 2010
Turkey
Turkish music companies have begun to move to secure the copyrights
to the works of legendary Armenian artist Rupen Hakverdian,
whose songs have been popular across Europe. Conveying his love to
Turkish intellectuals working for reconciliation between Turks and
Armenians, Hakverdian says, ‘Stay away from nationalism; ignorance
feeds nationalism’
Illustrating the cultural exchange that occurs despite continued
political tension, the works of legendary Armenian musician Rupen
Hakverdian are now set for release in the Turkish market as local
companies queue to secure copyrights for the music.
“It makes me happy that my songs are being performed in different
languages,” Hakverdian told the Hurriyet Daily News & Economic Review
in a recent interview in his house, in which he is preparing for a
new album.
Although his works were banned during the Soviet era, Hakverdian’s
music was nonetheless performed in languages as diverse as French
and Czech.
Hakverdian said he had received many demands from Turkey to release
his works in the country although he did not mention the names of
the companies.
The demand for his songs points toward the larger trend of
cross-cultural exchange. “Borders are closed but the way for
intercultural interaction is open,” Hakverdian said, adding that
Armenian culture in the present eponymous republic was largely under
the effect of Turkish culture.
“What we call unique Armenian culture has been created by
Istanbul-based western Armenians and Anatolian Armenians. Armenia
does not have its own culture,” he said. “It has been affected by
other cultures.”
Emphasizing his point, Hakverdian said Armenian artists had stolen
Turkish and Azerbaijani music. “In the past, Armenian songs were
stolen in Turkey but now it is the same in Armenia. This is a big
mistake. We should not have repeated the same mistakes.”
Noting that many in Armenia would disagree with his statement, he said:
“I wish I were mistaken but unfortunately, all I said is true.
Of course intercultural exchange is possible, I am not against it
but everything should have a style – stealing cannot be accepted.”
Furthermore, the constant Turkish and Armenian squabbling over the
cultural ownership of anonymous songs was tiring, Hakverdian said.
“What is the point of discussing the ownership of anonymous songs?
What is important is how they make us feel,” he said, pointing to a
healthier attitude on the issue in the Balkans. “There is no fight
for songs in the Balkans. This is why they have become richer in the
cultural field.”
‘I am estranged from this city’
Despite numerous tours around the world, Hakverdian said he had never
been to Turkey, but added that he would gladly come if he received
an invitation.
Noting that many friends had migrated overseas after Armenia’s
independence, Hakverdian said he felt alone, a feeling he shares in
his songs with his listeners.
“I’ve become estranged from this city [Yerevan] and its people. I
prefer to get in touch with an intellectual Turk rather than an
ignorant Armenian,” he said. “What I want to say is that the human
being comes first before [anything else]. Being able to find a common
language with them is important.”
Hakverdian said he appreciated the recent steps taken by Turkish
intellectuals to bring the peoples of the two countries together,
sending them his love and greetings. “They are struggling for the
peace of two peoples. They are worthy of appreciation.”
He said he had met many Turkish artists during his tours, having
discussions with them.
Most important, however, was staying clear of nationalism: “Let’s act
with humane values and justice. Nationalism poisons each of us. It
is only fed by ignorance,” he said.
As for the contributions of Turkey’s goodwill ambassador, Zulfu
Livaneli, to the reconciliation process between Turkey and Greece,
Hakverdian said he would be very happy to serve for the establishment
of a bridge of peace between Turkey and Armenia.
From: A. Papazian