Deputy dean of Oriental Studies faculty of Yerevan State University Ruben Melkonyan met with journalists on May 14.

Melkonyan presented the first-ever textbook of Azerbaijani language in Armenia developed by the faculty lecturer Lilit Movsisyan.

Azerbaijani studies introduced at the Oriental Studies faculty along with Turkic studies since 2008 have strategic importance for Armenia, the deputy dean told the press conference.

The academic textbook may be used by students of colleges and universities, experts in Turkic studies (which comprise both Azerbaijani and Turkish studies), as well as historians. Mastering the language of one’s foe is quite important, Melkonyan emphasized.

As to Armenian studies in Azerbaijan, Melkonyan believes it has extreme political implication there aiming to create “the image of enemy”, unlike Armenia where Azerbaijani studies refer to scientific area.

The deputy dean further stated that the terms “Azerbaijan” and “Azerbaijani studies” are relative ones, since these belong to linguistic thefts by our hostile neighbors.

Ironically, Artsakhbank undertook funding of the textbook publication, Melkonyan said.