News.Az interviews professor Farhad Badalbeyli, rector of the Music Academy.
Let’s start our conversation with the following question: do you agree with those who say that the process of mutual enrichment of Azerbaijani and Armenian music have lasted for many years?
The question is interesting and requiring explanations. I am against the appropriation of the music, cultural and historical heritage of other people. I say this because we have repeatedly witnessed the cases of presentation of Azerbaijani works as Armenians. In particular, the world famous work by prominent Uzeir Hajibeyov “Arshin mal alan” was also set up for the Armenian. This is an example of what should not be done. But certainly, the Azerbaijani and Armenia music have a great influence on each other. In this connection we should recall the brilliant play “Kamancha” of the classic of Azerbaijani literature Jalil Mammadquluzade. In this play, the residents of one of the Azerbaijani villages whose relatives and friends became victims of the Armenian bandits release the captured Armenian musician. This work demonstrates the high respect of music and musicians both in Azerbaijan and in Armenia. This is what should be the ground for our common future.
Is there any hope for this joint happy coexistence of our peoples?
Yes, there is. Sooner or later the representatives of both peoples will live in peace and accord since neither Azerbaijanis nor Armenians are going to move to the Moon. And it would be better if the common sense prevails, because pragmatism proves the profitability of the conflict settlement for both our nations. In particular, the residents of the Armenian community of Nagorno Karabakh could calmly live in better economic conditions rather than living at Diaspora’s money, in case of the fair resolution of the Karabakh conflict. On the whole, the representatives of two of our hardworking nations could create a number of joint enterprises enjoying peaceful, happy and flourishing living conditions. The process of the dialogue of cultures would also continue. Nothing of this is observed so far. But I believe it cannot last long. It is just necessary to take the first step toward each other, while further it will be easier.
Does the great number of examples of friendship between Armenians and Azerbaijanis despite the conflict between our people prove this?
Quite right. The example of such a friendship is Azerbaijani Rustam Ibrahimbeyov and Armenian Roman Balayan. So many Armenians and Azerbaijanis create families, make friends and have joint businesses in the third countries, for example, in Russia. There are thousands of them! It proves that the conflict between our peoples is artificial and it will be settled especially in the 21st century when the borders between the countries became almost transparent.
Akper Hasanov
News.Az