Under the auspices of the Central Executive Board of Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society the organization’s Yerevan Office on July 25, 2025, organized a concert titled, “Melodies of Javakheti.” The concert was held on the occasion of the 30th annual student forum organized by Hamazkayin as well as the 140th anniversary of the birth of the poet Vahan Terian.
The concert highlighted the work of troubadours of Javakheti, Jivani and Havasi, and songs based on poems by Vahan Terian. Popular singers Mavr Mkrtchyan, Vardan Badalyan, Gurgen Dabaghyan, Abel Abelyan, and Aregnag Mkrtchyan, accompanied by the Nova national instrumental music ensemble.
Artashes Shahbazian, a member of the Hamazkayin Central Executive Board, made opening remarks.
“Our fate has us living in a fateful period in Armenian history, when a battle is being fought against our national values and the maintenance of our identity. Adhering to our culture and preserving it take on a political meaning. If we are to avoid that ravine and rise to the heights of a new national renaissance, then this rebirth will first take place in the realm of education and culture,” Mr. Shahbazyan said.
Haykazun Alvrtsyan, manager of the Western Armenian Issues Research Office, spoke about the troubadours of Javakheti, and their origins.
Gevork Emin Teryan, grandson of Vahan Terian, reflected on the poet’s legacy in literature and in social and political life.
The evening concluded with heartfelt applause.
