Syrian-Armenian poet Jean Vartan unveils new collection

Armenia’s Ministry of Diaspora on Friday hosted Jean Vartan, a Syrian-Armenian poet and musician, for a presentation of a new book entitled “Outburst”.

The ceremony was attended by Armenian Ambassador to Syria Arshak Polatyan, as well as writers, art critics and Armenian readers from Syria.

Seyranuhi Geghamyan, a spokesperson for the Ministry, delivered an address on behalf of Minister Hranush Hakobyan.

“You are best known as a musician, but your being a poet did not come to me as a surprise, as the Armenians of Syria are  multi-talented and never cease astonishing and delighting people with their talent for art and ability to attain more success. You are one of those asserting my belief,” reads the greeting address, according to a press release by the Ministry.

Speeches were later delivered by Secretary of the Writers’ Union Petros Demirchyan, and the Syrian-Armenian writers, Toros Toranyan and Hakob Mikaelyan. 

Jean Vartan’s poems were recited by Jivan Sargsyan, the director of the Vanadzor Theater of Poetry, and Vanik Mkrtchyan, an actor.

Singer Leyla Saribekyan later performed the song “Yerevan Night” written on the poet’s lyrics (music by Leyla Saribekyan).