When interviewing expert Anzhela Elibegova last month, I was surprised to hear her say Armenians have no idea of the modern Azerbaijani society and better knowledge of it would stir up cultural and psychological shock. However, yesterday I came across a news article that confirmed the expert’s correctness.

Moscow-based Azerbaijani psychic Ziraddin Rzayevcommented on the discussions following his participation in “Let’s get married” dating show as the matchmaker of Armenian singer Mart Romanov (Radik Babayan).

During the show, Mart Romanov introduced Rzayev as his matchmaker and friend. This sparked broad reaction in Azerbaijan and was long a subject of discussion in social networks.

“Mart Romanov is no friend of mine. He is simply an acquaintance. The singer has a Russia second name. However, his father proved to be an Armenian. How should I know he had an Armenian family name, ending in –yan. I don’t make friends with Armenians,” Rzayev said.

With these words Rzayev confessed to attaching importance to his friends’ family names, rather than their personal qualities when making friends. If such a reaction would be expected by Azerbaijani resident in view of the country’s anti-Armenian propaganda, the fascist reaction by a Diaspora Azerbaijani sparked surprise. However, it is noteworthy that a person with an Azerbaijani second name would be allowed to enter Armenia, even given the unsettled Nagorno Karabakh conflict. I consider it unnecessary to remind of the various brawls with different citizens because of their family name endings.

Thus, Rzayev’s statement reaffirmed the viability of Ramil Safarov’s case among the Azerbaijanis. Whereas, bearers of family names ending in –yan (ian) should be careful when communicating with “humanists” residing in the neighboring country.