The TV Premiere of Armen Davtyan’s Book “Through Millennia and Days” (Video)
01/14/2025
Newmag Publishing House unveiled contemporary Armenian poet and scholar Armen Davtyan’s poetry collection, “Through Millennia and Days”, on the “Good Morning” program of Armenia TV.
This publication was made possible through the initiative of Davtyan’s close friends—Artak Apitonian, Tigran Paskevichyan, and Vahagn Atabekyan—who proposed reintroducing the poet’s works to a wider audience.
Journalist and classmate Anna Israelyan shared how Davtyan’s earlier works were nearly forgotten:
“His books had not been reprinted in years, and few copies remained. Former Deputy Foreign Minister Artak Apitonian suggested republishing them, and the entire process was kept a surprise from Armen. Armen’s works are profound. His depth as a poet is unmatched.”
Tigran Paskevichyan, a poet and publicist, recalled how celebrated actor Khoren Abrahamyan connected with Davtyan’s work:
“Abrahamyan read Armen’s poetry and refused any fee for reciting it. He even kept the book because he admired it so much. When discussing Armen, we must also remember the literary spirit of our time. His poetry encapsulates the power and beauty of the Armenian language.”
The poet himself expressed his astonishment at the book’s release, timed to celebrate his 60th birthday:
“It never crossed my mind that poems I wrote 30 years ago would be published today. But my friends believed otherwise. Our shared love for the Armenian language and our deep camaraderie led to this.”
The book “Through Millennia and Days” compiles two of Davtyan’s collections, “Noravank” and “Visions in a Cell”. While reflecting on his transition from poetry to academia, Davtyan explained:
"Not creating isn’t entirely accurate in my case. At present, I am deeply engaged in deciphering and translating Sumerian poems dedicated to Arrata. While this is a scientific endeavor, it also holds artistic significance. In this sense, I am working with great enthusiasm. I hope to see all four of these poems published soon. The fusion of Armenian and Sumerian brings a unique depth and quality to the work, enriching both the translations and the broader understanding of these texts."
Davtyan also shared insights into his creative process:
“I compose my works while walking, reciting them as naturally as breathing. Perhaps one day, I will return to writing poetry.”
The revival of Armen Davtyan’s poetry not only honors his literary legacy but also introduces a new generation to his profound connection with the Armenian language and culture.
Armen Davtyan
4800 ֏
Description
Armen Davtyan is one of the most impressive figures in contemporary Armenian poetry. Taking his first steps in the early 1980s, he became a bold and original author and dictated taste in the literary environment, expanding the boundaries of language and poetic imagination. The book brings together his two collections, “Noravank” and “Visions in Solitary Cell,” which in the 1980s-1990s became the inexhaustible source of Armenian poetry during the transition from Soviet rule to independence, inspiring not only readers but also many authors of his generation. The book was prepared for publication on the occasion of the author’s 60th anniversary.