CULTURE AND ARTS

Collectif Medz Bazar was going to perform in the concert for commemorating Armenian Genocide in Arnouville city near Paris. However, they decided not to perform, after the organization requested not to perform their Turkish songs. The band reacted against this situation with a letter.

Showing that this land is not only a source of tensions and massacres, but also nurtures unforgettable love stories, “Aşiq û Maşûq – Kurdish-Armenian love stories from Armenian sources” brings three unforgettable tales which are part of oral history and handed down from generation to generation. The common ground of these tales is not only impossible loves; they also voice Anatolia, Mesopotamia and all unique Dersim and reveal the life of Armenian and Kurdish peoples.

German Avagyan is a photographer who participated in joint Armenia-Turkey exhibitions before it was a trend and has always used his camera for documenting the difficult issues that became a wound for the society. In this regard, interviewing him is precious, not only in terms of photography but also in terms of understanding how photography can really change people's lives. We introduce this artist concerned with many issues like poverty, disability and war to our readers.

Today, musical instrument making is not a very popular occupation, but the number of people interested in this craft is increasing. Two weeks ago, we published an interview with Istanbul-born Vahank Nogigosian, one of the rare Stradivarius violin repairers in Turkey. This week, we introduce Iranian santur-maker Amir Homayunfard, who has been living in Turkey for 7 years.

Trying to build a bridge between Armenia and Turkey with his photography, Umut Vedat tells about his works appealing to the peoples of both countries and projects in Tbilisi.

First published in 1940 and making William Saroyan globally renowned, “My Name is Aram” republished in Turkish by Aras Publishing.

Dresden Symphony Orchestra will perform “Aghet”, which is composed on the occasion of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, in Turkish Embassy to Germany on November 13. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is invited to the concert.

Turkey, with a unilateral decision, left the “Creative Europe” program, which supports the culture and media sectors in Europe. The negotiation is started with the officials from European Commission in order to organize Turkey's withdrawal from the program starting from June 1, 2017. This decision is initiated by Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A selection of the artworks inspired by Komitas’ works and life on the occasion of his 147th birthday…

Pianist Tigran Hamasyan’s new album ‘Atmosphères’ with Norwegian musicians is released by ECM Records.