Forbidden literature: Books and lessons of history

Tatevik Saroyan, Director of YSU History Museum, noted that the event was organized within the framework of the "Student Liberal Culture of the Post-Soviet Era" exhibition. 

The exhibition included the theme of forbidden literature, which served as the basis for the discussion. According to her, the event was also symbolic as it was held between the birthdate of Yeghishe Charents (March 13) and World Poetry Day (March 21).

During the event, various manifestations of literary censorship were discussed, along with the books, articles, and works that have been banned or restricted over time for various reasons. The basis for these bans often stemmed from political, religious, social, and cultural factors, which were perceived as a threat or a controversial phenomenon in a given society.

Works by authors such as Charles Dickens, Jack London, Ernest Hemingway, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Boris Pasternak, George Orwell, Yeghishe Charents, Paruyr Sevak, Hovhannes Shiraz, and other writers have been banned in different historical periods.

The discourse was led by literary scholar, Ph.D. Arkmenik Nikoghosyan, who presented the concept of "forbidden literature," its history, causes, and its impact on society.

Arkmenik Nikoghosyan emphasized that forbidden literature is not a phenomenon only typical of the Soviet regime. In various countries around the world, governments have censored different books for political, religious, and other reasons. He also addressed the contemporary issues of literary censorship, noting that in many countries, authors continue to face censorship and bans. 

The event provided an important platform for understanding how forbidden literature and censorship have shaped the literary field, their impact on society, and the lessons that can be drawn from history.