A road named after the Armenian cultural icon Sayat Nova in the majority ethnic Azerbaijan town of Marneuli in the Kvemo Kartli region of Georgia © Onnik James Krikorian
Commonspace, a publications of LINKS Europe, has published my opinion piece on the potential role of culture in Armenia-Azerbaijan peacebuilding. A double-edged sword, though subjective interpretation of culture has traditionally been used by nationalists to drive the sides apart, there are also examples where it can be used to highlight shared values and overlaps in customs and traditions.
In this op-ed for commonspace.eu, Onnik James Krikorian writes that culture can play a critical role in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace-building process. “It can provide positive examples of coexistence and demonstrate how Armenians and Azerbaijanis share similarities despite dominant nationalist narratives that suggest otherwise. Acknowledging and respecting cultural differences could be instrumental in promoting peace and resolving conflicts.”
While culture may not initially appear to be a critical area of focus for conflict resolution practitioners engaged in activities to resolve the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, it is nonetheless important to consider. Although there have been some precedents of cultural initiatives, there are also potential risks involved. Shared or similar traditions, including in cuisine and music, invariably lead to mutual accusations of cultural misappropriation and theft.
Yet culture plays a critical role in shaping people’s perspectives, interactions, beliefs, values, and customs, which ultimately influence their perceptions of conflict and violence. In addition, it can provide positive examples of coexistence and demonstrate how Armenians and Azerbaijanis share similarities despite dominant nationalist narratives that suggest otherwise. Acknowledging and respecting cultural differences could be instrumental in promoting peace and resolving conflicts.
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The full opinion piece can be read here.
