Alen Simonyan Calls for Change in Armenia's National Anthem and Coat of Arms

Alen Simonyan, the speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, has stirred a conversation about the necessity of changing the national anthem and even the coat of arms. Simonyan expressed his views on Telegram, emphasizing the need for an anthem that is distinctly Armenian and in harmony with the nation's culture.

Simonyan made it clear that while he does not insist on replacing the current anthem with the music of the renowned Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian, he believes that the existing foreign-born anthem should be reconsidered. He suggested that the new anthem should be inherently Armenian, connected to the country's history and music, and adhere to the established rules of an anthem.

"I do not insist that it should be replaced by the great [Armenian composer] Aram Khachaturian’s music, which, in my opinion, is magnificent, unsurpassed and maximally Armenian, but it is obvious that changing the existing foreign-born anthem is a necessity," stated Simonyan on Telegram.

Simonyan's call for change extends beyond the anthem, as he proposed a discussion on the matter of the country's coat of arms. He expressed concerns about certain symbols, stating, "At least, Armenia cannot be under water, which was a punishment for humanity, the lion cannot be like a Facebook smiley, the sword protecting Armenia cannot be chained." This suggests a broader consideration for a symbol that better resonates with Armenia's identity.

The discussion initiated by the Parliament speaker raises questions about the representation of Armenia's national identity and heritage in its official symbols. As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen how the public and decision-makers will engage in shaping the country's visual and auditory representations.