The 9th International Competition named after Aram Khachaturyan is held in Yerevan, which, this year, is dedicated to detection of young cellists. The Austrian Princess Irina zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg was among the honored guests of the competition. Aravot.am had the exclusive opportunity to conduct an interview with the Princess. It is presented below:
– You were in Armenia years ago. What was Armenia then and how will you describe our country as of today?
– The last time I was in Armenia was 5 years ago. Now I see a lot of changes. The first thing that attracted me during these days, was the Armenian young people. I do not know, maybe during my previous visit I missed something, but this time I see fresh, bright and young atmosphere in Yerevan. Five years ago, there was no vivacity in the streets of Yerevan, the city was not so crowded. Now your city has become a multi-color, younger, new buildings are being built …. And it’s not accidental that I’m talking about young people, because the mood in every country is reflected among the youth. – Are you fond of Aram Khachaturyan’s music. What attracts you most in those works. – I like romantic music. And Khachaturyan’s works simply touch your soul and heart, make you become a dreamy. Yeah, I’m romantic and I think that people in Armenia are too romantic. There is something special in the air of your country. Isn’t it?
– The main directions of the foreign policy in Armenia is the European integration. Getting into contact with our culture and traditions, what do you think are we carriers of more European, or Asian culture.
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– The Armenian traditions have deep roots. We have much to learn from you. A few days ago I attended one of your wonderful museums where ancient manuscripts are kept, and I am very much impressed because I saw the reflection of European history in that culture. Learn about your culture, history, thinkers and philosophers, I realize that the European culture has deep roots in your own land.
– You’re coming from the royal family. Taking into into account all luxury and benefits of the status, are there moments that you have to sacrifice.
– More precisely, I am from the ruling family, because having aristocratic roots, at the same time I have seen a lot of difficulties. From time to time, my family has lost lands because of the war and has to start everything all over again. I think the most important thing is to preserve the traditions. We were brought up to the ideology that we should be proud of our family, parents and traditions. To have a good education has a great role in this issue. And a good education is not only a problem of money because now there are the best chances for it. We have to think from the prospective that we can change the world. My hope is the youth, and there are bright young people in Armenia. I’m feeling good in your country. Armenians are very hospitable, your national dishes are so tasty. And the monuments … I visited a monastery that was located on the border with Azerbaijan, the mountain top. It is so close to the sky, it was enough to stretch your hand and you can touch God. Those are my best memories.
– Have you heard about the Armenian Genocide held by the Ottoman Empire in the early of 20th century and what is your position on this issue?
– I have heard about it and read much. And I think we should constantly talk about it and move the process of recognizing and condemning the crime forward. We must fight and condemn one of the world’s most tragic events of the 20th century. I do not know how I can help, but the most important thing for me is to talk much about the fact, and to find ways on how to bring the culture and problems into our framework. In every way, we must not let such a thing happen again. And only through good education can withhold mankind from such tragic phenomena.
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
