Turkish President invited to the concert in memory of genocide

Agos – 23/10 - Fatih Gökhan Diler

Dresden Symphony Orchestra will perform “Aghet”, which is composed on the occasion of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, in Turkish Embassy to Germany on November 13. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is invited to the concert.

Dresden Symphony Orchestra will perform “Aghet”, which is composed on the occasion of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, in Turkish Embassy to Germany on November 13. After the concert, there will be an event organized by Turkish-Armenian Friendship Association. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and Minister of Culture Nabi Avcı are invited to the both events.

Crisis between Turkey and EU

“Aghet” project caused a crisis among Germany, Turkey and EU. Turkey decided to leave the Creative Europe Program of the European Committee, because the program supports “Aghet”, which is planned as part of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide. German Minister of Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his support to Aghet project, causing further disturbance in Turkish government.
Expressing his support to Aghet project, Steinmeier stated: “The deportation of the Armenian people happened a century ago. However, Armenian and Turkish sides haven't yet officially reconciled concerning the events of 1915-1916. With this project, three composers from Germany and Armenia echo the voice of the deceased and also bridge the gap between the present and a past full of hatred and violence. The project invites the audience to get out of the world of hatred. I am convinced that only the people who learn and acknowledge the dreams and traumas of the others can contribute to the bright future of this continent. And Aghet project is one of the most important milestones in this path.”