Restrictions imposed on Artsakh cultural event in Yerevan, former minister says

Organizers of a major event dedicated to Artsakh’s culture (Nagorno-Karabakh) in Yerevan faced restrictions on the use of national symbols, according to former Artsakh Culture Minister Sergey Shahverdyan.

The We Are festival, held at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex in Yerevan, brought together nearly all of Artsakh’s cultural ensembles, as well as soloist stars from Armenia and Artsakh. The program featured exhibitions and performances throughout the day.

The event was organized by the Artsakh Cultural Preservation Center NGO and the MUNK Tech School. Shahverdyan, who now serves as secretary of the State Council for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage in Artsakh’s occupied territories, said organizers endured significant challenges.

“It was not only about financial difficulties. The performance of the Artsakh Republic anthem was banned. The use of the flag and coat of arms was banned,” Shahverdyan wrote on Facebook on Sunday.

He described the restrictions as an attempt to suppress symbols that represent identity and memory. Despite the limitations, he said, the festival went ahead and became the largest cultural gathering since the mass exodus of Artsakh Armenians in 2023.

Shahverdyan praised the organizers, calling the event “more than just a festival”. “It was an expression of dignity and resistance to oblivion,” he added.