The “national self-consciousness” of Azerbaijanis awoke in 1980, when they started representing themselves as the heirs of Caucasian Albanians and then decided to appropriate Armenian cuisine, carpets, music, poetry, fiercely trying to prove that “Armenians live on the Azerbaijani lands.”

Music tastes differ. Some love rock and jazz; others prefer classical or folk music. However, the admiration of Turkish and Arab music is a tendency that develops in Armenia lately. Some speak about “Azerbaijani music”, what is absolutely odd, as a country outlined on the map by Iosif Stalin in 1936 could nothing but create its cultural heritage by stealing the cultures belonging to other nations.

The fault of the older generation is that the young people do not receive proper patriotic up-bringing. Young composer Vahram Petrosyan, for example” boasts his “talent” and says that he “likes Azerbaijani music.”

At the same time, the youth in Azerbaijan is stuffed with patriotism, which often exceeds any logical borders. Thus, ATV presenter Elchin Alibeyli was sacked for performing Sari Galin song in Armenian.

It’s noteworthy that Richard Wagner’s music is still prohibited in Israel, because he was Hitler’s favorite composer and millions of Jews were driven to gas chambers to the sounds of The Ride of the Valkyries.

“It’s a shame that there are people who listen to the so-called “Azerbaijani music.” “It’s our fault that we missed the moment to prevent the tendency,” singer Hayko says.

Actor Vardan Petrosyan is more tough: “This music sounded when Armenians were being killed, but now many of our compatriots are enjoying these songs.”

Singer Shushan Petrosyan rejects any presence of “Azerbaijani music” but says that people should know how the Armenian music is being butchered.

Certainly, it’s praiseworthy to know the cultural traditions of other countries but each person should first of all know his own culture, according to composer Vartin Vardazaryan.

Composer Robert Amirkhanyan is confident that an educated person will never tell about “love for Azerbaijani music.” “Christian and Muslim tunes are completely different. However, presently, many ‘fans’ of Turkish music try to present I as Armenians, and succeed,” he says.

Composer Martin Ulikhanyan agrees to the opinion. “I don’t like Azerbaijani music myself, but there are people who enjoy it,” he notes.

The problem persists. Vahram Petrosyan’s revelations aroused hot debates. The young composer, scared of the reaction, is now trying to renounce his words.

However, the situation proved to have a positive effect as well. Before summoning press conferences and engaging in self-advertising, people like Petrosyan will twice think prior to saying anything.