‘When I was informed about receiving the state order, I thought it was from Armenia’s side’: Karen Khurshudyan

Armenian poet Karen Khurshudyan, who resides in France, has been named a Knight of the Order of Merit by French President Emmanuel Macron. In a conversation with Alpha News, the poet spoke about his work in France.

“Actually, I was informed about the award from Armenia. Frankly speaking, I thought that I was awarded it by the Republic of Armenia, thanked them and asked them to send me the certificate. However, the official who informed me of the news sent me an official French certificate, after which I realized that the order had been awarded by France. I don’t have the right to wear it yet. There is still an official ceremony to be held, during which the order will be presented either by another recipient of a similar award or by a state representative,” Khurshudyan said.

Speaking about his literary work, he emphasized, “My poems have been published both in Armenia and France. One of the books published in Armenia is ‘The World on My Lips,’ in which my works are presented in six languages. In addition, I have published three other books in Armenia. In addition to composing poetry, I do translations. I have translated works that introduce Armenian readers to French culture. But seeing the division within Armenian society in recent years, both in the Republic of Armenia and in the Diaspora, I decided to translate ‘A Treatise on Tolerance.’ This is the most recent book I have translated.”