Azerbaijani singer Samira Afandi’s decision to give 12 points to Armenian singer Saro Gevorgyan at the “Silk Way Star” music festival in Astana, where she was a member of the jury, and her later act of hugging him, has sparked discussions on social media and television. Her actions have drawn considerable criticism.
In the final round, Samira Afandi gave 12 points not only to the performer representing Armenia but also to the participants from China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia and Uzbekistan.
“Small bridges toward peace”
The singer explained her behavior on producer Tarikh (Tolik) Aliyev’s program titled “Tarixin bir günü”(A day in history). She said that everyone should build small bridges toward peace.
“As the daughter of a veteran, the granddaughter of a general and a citizen of this country, I believe the future is in the hands of the youth. Of course, we will not forget our history and we will not allow it to be forgotten.
I try to act in line with the peace policy led by the President. I believe that everyone who represents the country abroad and is in the public eye should build small bridges toward peace,” she said.
The singer stated that she did not always give high scores to the Armenian contestant during the competition.
“When it comes to music or education, this participant really performed very well. My decision to give him 12 points surprised everyone. I have no regrets. I was often stricter with him, but in the final round I gave the score he deserved.”
“The aim was to judge music, not take a political position”
Afandi emphasized that her purpose on stage was to evaluate music, not to express a political view.
“I look at this as a musician. I am not a politician who harbors hostility. I did not go there to express hostility but to represent my country.”
Despite mixed reactions on social media, the singer said that she stands by her actions.
“The gesture I made in the project was simply an act of humanity. I believe that music is a force that unites people and stands apart from politics.”
Akif Naghi, the former head of the Karabakh Liberation Organization and now chairman of the Free Homeland Party, insulted the singer for her action. Samira Afandi announced that she will sue those who insult her.
On August 8 of this year, the United States hosted the initialing of a peace treaty text between Azerbaijan and Armenia. According to the document, the parties recognize each other’s territorial integrity, commit to resolving disputed issues only through negotiations and withdraw all mutual claims.
Over the past month, representatives of Azerbaijani civil society have visited Armenia as part of peacebuilding efforts. Afterwards, Armenian civil society representatives visited Azerbaijan.
At a time when peace negotiations are ongoing, what does the negative reaction toward the Azerbaijani singer’s gesture indicate?
“It is wrong to politicize the results of a competition”
Composer Javanshir Guliyev told Meydan TV that it is wrong to use music competitions for political purposes.
“I do not understand why a score given by a jury member in a competition should cause such an uproar. I consider it wrong to move the results of the competition into the political sphere. In my opinion, regardless of religion, race or nationality, the jury of any music competition must be extremely fair. Furthermore, with the peace agreement close to being signed and both Armenia and Azerbaijan moving toward this goal, we must adapt and as a society become used to this process.”
“This humane act should be appreciated”
Political analyst Zardusht Alizade says that anti Turkish propaganda in Armenia and anti Armenian propaganda in Azerbaijan have been shaped for many years under state influence.
“To overcome these effects, time is needed. Curricula must be revised and the tone of media writing must change. Both Armenia’s and Azerbaijan’s constitutions clearly state that discrimination on religious, racial, gender and political grounds is prohibited. Unfortunately, little attention is paid to these universal values. A noble woman took a humane step. If someone does not like it, they can at least remain neutral. But criticizing or insulting her is unacceptable. In fact, such behavior should be welcomed. This woman has shown true nobility and culture. Instead of attacking her, people should support her. She should be congratulated and this humane gesture should be appreciated. She acted very beautifully and bravely.”
“People still view each other more as enemies than as neighbors”
Political commentator Rauf Mirgadirov says that neither in Azerbaijan nor in Armenia are people yet in a peace oriented mindset.
“We have lived under wartime conditions for nearly thirty years and the media on both sides has often spread propaganda based on hatred. Therefore it is wrong to punish people for their humane behavior. Everyone has personal choices. Some may hug, some may shake hands and some may choose not to greet at all. On both sides, people still view one another more as enemies than as neighbors.”
The analyst says that recent developments, including delegations traveling from Azerbaijan to Armenia and from Armenia to Azerbaijan, take place mostly under the supervision of the authorities.
“In such conditions, there is no intention to discuss the real causes of the conflict. Yet these issues are very serious. True peace does not come from simply signing a document and marking borders. Sustainable and lasting peace exists only when the causes that led to war are eliminated. These causes lie in attitudes, historical memory, interpretations of that memory, ways of thinking and deep rooted perceptions. This is not the first time this has happened in Armenian history nor in its relations with Azerbaijan. These matters must be discussed seriously. But it is wrong to attack someone who opens their arms to a person perceived as an enemy.”
