Ethnographical scientific research in Western Armenia

YEREVAN, AUGUST 17, ARMENPRESS: From this year's July 18 to August 4, "Yerkir" union within the framework of Van Project visited and studied a number of settlements of Hamshen, Dersim and Western Armenia. The expedition party comprised "Van Project" team, as well as a separate research group with participation of expert in ethnography Hranush Kharatyan and specialist of Oriental Studies Anush Hovhannisyan. The party conducted ethnographic researches among Dersim people, gathering rich ethnographic material.

"People living in this region have learned a lot of things from each other. When we played zurna-dhol (Armenian musical instruments) during a gathering there, some of the guests confessed they are Armenians, art director of "Van Project" team Norayr Kartashyan told journalists.

The traditional instruments of the residents were studied during field researches conducted by the party, the traditional songs and dances were recorded, a number of legends, fairytales, blessings and prayers were written down.

"It is difficult to say that we have closely cooperated with local Turkish authorities, but there are precedents," Hranush Kharatyan said, adding that their studies will surely be published, enabling to get acquainted with details. "Probably the brochure will be published next year and will include the entire research, but in the nearest future we will publish the original variant," the expert in ethnography said.

In his turn participant of the expedition party Robert Totoyan noted that the project will be continuous, and there are other projects which are in process. "We already have an invitation from Istanbul to participate in annual award-giving ceremony organized by "Hrant Dink" foundation, and we will leave for Diarbekir in September at the invitation of the Mayor's Office," Robert Totoyan said.

The program helps the population of Armenian descent living in the territory of Armenian Highland and Black Sea pond to preserve the national identity, to establish intercultural ties, as well as to implement events aimed at presentation and propaganda of Armenian traditional heritage.

The scientific expedition has been implemented with the funding of authorities of French Rhone-Alpes region and "Freko" organization, and with organizational support of Turkish Anadolu Kültür Foundation.