The Institute for Historical Justice and Reconciliation is proud to present the documentary short ‘In the Footsteps of Tchouhadjian’. This Armenian-Turkish co-production is co-directed by Mesut Yasar Tufan and Ara Shirinian. The documentary short traces the life and art of Dikran Tchouhadjian, the famous Armenian composer from Istanbul. The composer was praised as the forerunner of classical music in the Near East, introducing European classical traditions into the Ottoman scene.The documentary short focuses on the opera “Leblebici Horhor Ağa,” written in Turkish by Tchouhadjian, and the opera scene in 19th century Istanbul. The film highlights the long tradition of music intertwining artists from the Turkish and Armenian communities.
As an important part of the IHJR’s work relating to the Turkey-Armenia region we are pleased to note that Mesut Tufan has recently presented the film to the Armenia Turkey Cinema Platform during the Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival in July of 2014. The documentary short is meant to set a positive example to spur further cooperation between the countries, as well as to show that art can normalize relations and be a precursor to intercultural dialogue. By exploring Tchouhadjian’s legacy as an example of a shared cultural heritage for both Armenians and Turks, the documentary aims at fostering a better understanding among the two nations on their common past.
