In a world where information and public perception play an increasingly important role, raising awareness about the actual situation in Artsakh – especially among the world-spread Armenian Diaspora – is an important aspect of our work.
One of the ways we try to generate interest and engage Diaspora Armenians is by inviting representatives of various Diaspora communities, including world-famous Armenian artists, to visit Artsakh. For instance, this past April, the Foundation invited 4 renowned Armenian artists – Serj Tankian, Atom Egoyan, Arsinee Khanjian and Eric Nazarian – who visited Artsakh with the mission to get better acquainted with the people, learn about their lives and explore the work of the Tufenkian Foundation in the liberated borderlands.
During our most recent trip to Artsakh, we were joined by Antonia Arslan, a famous Italian-Armenian writer whose literary works have been translated into a dozen languages and are read all around the world. Best known for her Skylark Farm (Արտույտների ագարակը) novel, the author visited Artsakh together with a group of Diaspora Armenians from the United States and Europe, and accompanied by Italian journalists.
To learn about the development and resettlement efforts carried out by the Foundation, our guests visited the villages of Arajamugh, Hak and Ishkhanadzor, where various housing and infrastructure initiatives are currently being implemented. As the visit coincided with the Independence Day of Artsakh (September 2), our guests participated in the celebrations of this important day by joining the procession and parade in Stepanakert. Later, they travelled to a frontline army post, to meet and express their gratitude to soldiers serving there.
One of the most important parts of Antonia Arslan’s visit was her meeting with the local youth – the new generation of writers, journalists, artists and activists of Artsakh. A lively and interesting dialogue ensued, with topics ranging from the recognition of the Armenian Genocide to the importance of art and literature in Artsakh’s development. For the local youth, who are often isolated from the world and have little opportunity to learn from international experts, this conversation with Antonia Arslan was greatly valued.
As Armenians worldwide become more informed, interested and involved in Artsakh, the faster this ancestral land will develop and flourish, and we will continue facilitating contact and dialogue between Artsakh and Diaspora through similar visits.