In February 2023, Newmag released the periodical “Inknagir”, which had ceased publication in 2022 following the demise of its editor-in-chief, Vahan Ishkhanyan. The inaugural issue of 2023 pays homage to his memory and was made possible with the support of the “Renaissance” Foundation. To commemorate his anniversary, Newmag orchestrated a gathering at the “Zangak” bookstore, bringing together the editor of “Inknagir”, Violet Grigoryan, emerging writers, and avid readers.
The milestone 10th edition comprises previously unpublished works by Grigor Peltyan, Marine Petrosyan, Gurgen Khanjyan, Violet Grigoryan, Nerses Atabekyan, Syune Sevada, Grig, Ani Asatryan, Sargis Hovsepyan, and Anna Davtyan. Violet Grigoryan recounted the inception of the literary periodical “Bnagir”, which she and Vahram Martirosyan spearheaded for three years before co-founding “Inknagir” in 2005 alongside journalist and public speaker Vahan Ishkhanyan.
“Vahram Martirosyan and I began with the journal “Bnagir”, but eventually, a group of writers began to engage in discussions, individuals eager to delve into literature in the wake of the Soviet Union’s collapse. These deliberations, led by myself, ultimately evolved into the “Inknagir” literary club. Initially convening at the National Art Gallery for approximately a decade, we later found hospitable venues within various art institutions. Those years served as a profound learning experience for all of us, fostering dialogue on a myriad of subjects. The club cultivated a cohesive bond, which regrettably no longer endures.”
Renowned composer Tigran Mansuryan graced the gathering, emphasizing the importance of discerning genuine literary voices and the significance of literature in contemporary discourse.
Writer and public speaker Marine Petrosyan elucidated the thematic link between defeat and literature in her works, reflecting on the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse and the subsequent disillusionment within Armenian literature.
“The victory of the 90s, following the Soviet Union’s collapse, permeated Armenian literature. However, it was a victory marred by a loss of purpose. Writers, in their pursuit of social justice causes such as animal rights and gender equality, inadvertently relegated national pride and aspiration to the periphery.”
This meeting, which convened modern writers under one roof, was warmly embraced by all participants.
