Ijevan Branch of Yerevan State University

TODAY MARKS THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF BIRTH OF RENOWED ARMENIAN POET HOVHANNES TUMANYAN

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Today, On February 19th, 2019, marks the 150th anniversary of birth of renowned Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanyan (1869-1923) ,”Eternal Traveler”, “Genius”, “The All-Armenian Poet”, the greatest Armenian writer, national-public figure.  The 150th Anniversary of Hovhannes Tumanyan is a glorious holiday for not only Armenians, also far from its borders.

We carry from old our treasure, 
Vast as the sea, 
Brought into life 
By the great soul of our people, 
In our lofty land- 
The Armenian Highlands.

Writers are destined to play a role in the history of their nation’s literature. And only a few of them play a special role, also, in their nation’s spiritual life. Hovhannes Tumanyan played such a role in Armenian literature. One can easily explore Armenia and its traditions through the poetry of Hovhannes Toumanyan.

Ah, whither leads this pathway long and dark, 
My God, where ends it, thus with fears obsessed? 
When shall night end this day’s last glimmering spark? 
Where shall my weary feet to-night find rest?

Hovhannes Tumanyan, without a doubt, is one of the greatest, if not, the greatest Armenian poet. Every Armenian loves him and his poems. Especially little children listen and learn poems, tales and stories by him from a very young age.

Tumanyan wrote his poems and writings in a language which was accessible and understandable to everyone. This was one of the most important facts of his success. His most famous works are: “The End of Evil”, “Davit of Sassoun”, ” A Drop of Honey”, “Akhtamar” , “Gikor”, “Anoush”, “Nazar the Brave” etc. Tumanyan’s inspiration came from everyday ordinary activities of ordinary people. Usually, the heroes of his works are peasants. Yet, he manages to reveal qualities such as the power of thought, richness of feelings, beauty and wisdom.

If you stand very still in the heat of a wood 
You will hear many wonderful things; 
The snap of a twig and the wind in the trees, 
And the whirr of invisible wings. 

If you stand very still and hold to your faith 
You will get all the help that you ask; 
You will draw from the silence 
the things that you need, 
Hope and courage and strength for your task.

His works are loved not only in Armenia, but also far from its borders. In every place where Armenians live, his words emit the aroma of his homeland.