THANKS TO AHMAD NURIZADE’S TRANSLATIONS IRANIAN READERS ARE FAMILIARIZED WITH ARMENIAN LITERATURE VERY WELL
Noyan Tapan
Oct 16, 2007
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 16, NOYAN TAPAN. "I am the only poet in the world,
who though not being Armenian by nationality, creates in Armenian,"
Iranian writer and poet Ahmad Nurizade said at the October 16 press
conference. He has visited Yerevan to take part in the Tsakhkadzor
events dedicated to the Holy Translators’ Day. According to him, thanks
to his translator activity of more than 30 years Iranian readers are
familiarized with Armenian literature better than with the literary
values of China having more than 1.5 billion population. According to
A. Nurizade’s observation, Armenian literature is divided into three
branches, patriotic, Soviet Armenian, and "works of global value." The
first two, according to him, are of no interest for Iranian readers,
therefore he has only translated works of global value during his
whole literary activity.
A. Nurizade said that he has published two anthologies, that of
Armenian poetry of 1875-1975 and of new Armenian literature lately
in Iran.
The poet refused to comment upon the activity of Iranian President
Mahmud Ahmadinejad saying that in general, he keeps away from
politics. "I have been a political prisoner for three years, now I
am already tired of political life," he said.