Armenian musician Yervant Bostanci formally petitioned to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey, with a request to be included in Diyarbakir State Turkish Classical Music Choir.  

After returning from the United States to his place of birth Diyarbakir at the invitation of the city mayor, the oud master is already performing in the choir, but as a guest, and he receives a mere 800 liras (approx. $500) as monthly salary, Radikal daily of Turkey reports. But his salary will be raised once he becomes a permanent member in the choir.

The ministry has set Bostanci’s respective main examination for Wednesday and, in all likelihood, he will be accepted to the Choir. 

Yervant Bostanci composed and performed in the US for numerous years, but he returned to his place of birth Diyarbakir this summer and Turkey had covered his relevant expenses.