The national Festival of Culture took place July 21-23 in Van.

Armenia was represented by Akunk ensemble. The first day of the festival Akunk dressed in national costume walked in the streets of Van under sounds of dhol and kochari.

The Armenian ensemble along with Kurdish musicians gave concert on Akhtamar island, Armenians were allocated 40 minutes. Armenians participation in the festival was supported by Prosperous Armenia Party member Aragats Akhoyan.

Welcoming the guests, Mayor of Van Bekir Koyan addressed the Armenian delegation saying: “You are the masters of this land, and we are just watchmеn over it, we’ll keep it until you return.”

However there was no closing of the festival, because, as it later became known, the organizers were arrested in a clash. Members of the ensemble think there were some internal problems as “kurds will never fail to remind of their problems.”

Akhoyan said that Mayor of Van offered to launch Armenian cultural center in their city, though state approach is needed in everything and therefore he promised to address the Turkish government.