Aznavour: My parents survived the Armenian Genocide thanks to the heroic act of an Italian captain

Charles Aznavour says diligence is his ‘most Armenia’ feature. “I don’t believe in inspiration, I believe in sweat,” the legendary French-Armenian singer said in an interview with Russian Chastrniy Korrespondet ahead of his visit to Moscow.

Aznavour is known for his charity, particular his support to Armenia after the devastating earthquake in Spitak.

“This is how my sister Aida and I have been brought up. The fate of our parents, who fled the Armenian genocide, and their behavior, served an example to us. They often recalled the courage and kindness of an Italian captain, who saved them from death, when they were fleeing Constantinople.  They were already on the ship, when one of the Turkish soldiers heard Armenian speech and ran after them. The captain, however, rushed to protect my parents. I believe they managed to escape due to support and kindness of many people, that’s why they tried to help everyone throughout their lives,” the singer said.