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“Van was one of our cultural cradles, a source of national wealth and treasure. When it was axed, not only the backbone of Western Armenia but also that of Eastern Armenia was broken to pieces. Renowned painter Panos Terlemezian is the continuation of that line. Until now, he has been known as a gifted artist but from now on he will also be recognized as a talented writer who compiled and processed literary memoirs,” Professor Yervand Azatyan, a foreign associate of the National Academy of Sciences, said during the presentation of the book “Panos Terlemezian: Memories of My Life.”
The event was held at the Spyurk (Diaspora) Scientific-Educational Center of Armenian State Pedagogical University earlier this week.
Mr Azatyan added that in his memories the writer also spoke about the suffering that our people had to experience and endure during the Armenian Genocide and in subsequent years.
The book published by the Tekeyan Cultural Association was compiled by Hakob Avetikyan, the editor-in-chief of Azg daily, while the prologue and notes were written by philologist and literary critic Yervand Ter- Khachatryan.
The literary and cultural event was attended by the academic and teaching staff of the University, President of the Writers' Union of Armenia, heads of different chapters of the Tekeyan Cultural Association, literary critics, guests and students.
“The writer’s memoirs completed in 1941 and kept in the National Gallery, are not only interesting for large audiences, but also serve as an important source for research for historians, ethnographers and musicologists,” Hakob Avetikyan said stressing the importance of the book.
Literary critic Yervand Ter- Khachatryan added in turn that memoirs are rare in our reality, besides, people do not have a serious attitude towards them: there is a mismatch and inexactitude of facts.
During the presentation of the book, the literary critic also spoke about the difficulties encountered in the process. In particular, he said that the handwriting had faded over the years; everything was written in pencil with yellowing and discoloration in some areas but it was possible to decipher; the prologue and notes were added later. “Panos Terlemezian’s memoirs are frank, written with soul and close to heart. Memoir writing has a number of virtues: the personality of an artist matters a little. The writer focuses on the life in Van, customs and lifestyle habits of its people.
The second important thing is sincerity. Even the best confessions in the world are not as honest as these memoirs.”
Professor Suren Danielyan, Director of the Spyurk Centre, emphasized the importance of the matinee, calling it ‘a great cultural event.’
He stressed that the great people and memories of the past slowly disappear from our historical memory, but we should not forget that the great painter from Van bridged the worlds of Western and Eastern Armenian literature and had his unique role.
Ashot Galstyan, Dean of the Faculty of Philology who had read the memoirs, said that the artistic and documentary genre was enriched with another book, which is also of great interest to linguists. “The expressions and outbursts used in the book, beautiful descriptions are worthy of deeper study: one should read and evaluate the book.”
Why are memoirs written? In reply to the question, Mr Galstyan said that memoirs are written from the bottom of one’s heart to transfer some sparks to readers. “It appears that writers, who are able to leave their ideas on a blank piece of paper at the sunset of their life, find peace in the end. I am sure that many articles will be written based on the given memoirs, "said the Dean of the Faculty.
Ashot Galstyan also spoke about the peculiarities of the genre, adding that the great painter was able to pass his memories through the prism of his mind and convey his ideas to readers in a unique way.
