“Turks want to buy our culture”
Turkish representatives of American «Univercial Studio» Company expressed a desire to purchase the copyrights of 100 Armenian hits though "Armenian Author" NGO. This suggests that Armenian songs will be performed in Turkish, moreover, they will be translated and song by Turkish singers.
Armenian composer and songwriter Marina Tagakchyan considers the offer a "white genocide."
"I see a real threat here. Turks want to buy our culture. Years ago, they stole our culture and today they want to legalize the bargain," the composer says.
"I am surprised that the offer was made by Turkish representatives. If we spoke of some other country, I would not worry that much. But in case of Turkey, we must think properly given that Turkey and Armenia have an age-long conflict," Marina Tagakchyan said.
The composer has refused Univercial Studio and advises her colleagues to follow her example.
"I cannot imagine a person ready to sell his soul for material values. Perhaps, the thousands of dollars offered by Univercial Studio are irresistible but they are nothing compared with public respect and new songs," she said.
Marina Tagakchyan says composer Aram Avagyan has already agreed to sell the copyright of his songs to the company.
Armenian guitarist, singer and songwriter Ruben Hakhverdyan holds a different opinion. He sees no threat or danger in the offer.
"This is a natural cultural inter-influence which cannot be denied. Music must not be linked to nationalism, morality or heroism," he said.
