Government of Pashinyan championing "Authentic Armenia" idea garners public response
The Armenian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, is spearheading a new initiative aimed at supporting artists who embody the idea of "True Armenia". This initiative involves providing funding, promoting cultural projects, and fostering platforms for artistic expression that reflect Armenian identity.
The proposed bill, if adopted, would allow the state to support various activities such as theatre productions, literature, artistic works, concerts, and more, that advance the concept of "Real Armenia". Pashinyan, however, did not provide a clear answer on the issue of oversight, stating that the government does not intend to control anything.
The "Real Armenia" concept aims to shift public consciousness from historical Armenia to real Armenia. This shift is not without controversy, with critics accusing the government's proposal as an attempt at censorship. Hovhannes Ishkhanyan, a documentary filmmaker, argues that the concept is built around one person, and if adopted, works of art that reflect the real Armenia could be censored, marginalized, and pushed out.
However, not all voices are critical. Ruben Babayan, artistic director of the Puppet Theatre, supports the "Real Armenia" concept, stating that the state is not obliged to encourage propaganda of war, revenge, and violence. He emphasizes that the state's role should be to promote peace and harmony.
The government funding for these activities would be provided partly through grant programs. Pashinyan, in a recent statement, emphasized the need to document the culture being created today in Armenia. He gave an example of national cuisine, stating that he instructed officials to add dishes not yet included in Armenian food catalogues and preserve them as part of cultural heritage. He argues that the same need for documentation exists in music, dance, and other forms of art.
The peace discourse should include joint cultural programs, potentially with Azerbaijani artists. Pashinyan emphasized the importance of fostering a peaceful environment in the region, stating that state-funded programs must exclude the promotion of war and revenge, and should aim to create and foster an environment of peaceful coexistence.
The Armenian government has denied the accusation of censorship, stating that Armenia remains a democratic state where everyone has the opportunity to express their thoughts and opinions. Tigran Paskevichyan, a publicist, compared the "Real Armenia" concept to Ruhnama, a book by Turkmenistan's president Saparmurat Niyazov, suggesting it could be used to regulate the identity of the Armenian people. However, the government has dismissed such comparisons.
A draft law for the "Real Armenia" concept has been prepared and published on e-draft.am. The bill states that state-funded programs must adhere to the principles of peace and must not promote war or revenge. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this initiative will shape the cultural landscape of Armenia and its relationship with its neighbours.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
