Armenian artist Hakverdian's works to be released in Turkey

Armenian artist Hakverdian's works to be released in Turkey

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU

YEREVAN - Hürriyet Daily News

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’

Armenian musician Rupen Hakverdian

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 Hürriyet 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, Zülfü 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.