Mother Armenia in Gyumri
The "Mother Armenia" monument in Gyumri is a prominent Soviet-era landmark located in the southwestern part of the city, adjacent to the historic Black Fortress. Installed in 1975, this monument is a must-visit for those interested in Soviet monuments and art, making it an essential addition to any tour package in Armenia.
The statue was officially unveiled on May 9, 1975, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War and to honor the memory of the many residents of Gyumri who participated in the war. The monument, designed by sculptor Ara Sargsyan and architect Rafael Yeghoyan, stands as a harmonious blend of architecture and sculpture, consisting of a 21-meter-high pedestal and a 20-meter-high statue.
Mother Armenia in Gyumri and the Black fortress as seen by my drone
The pedestal, constructed from dark tuff, ascends steeply on a hill, merging with the sky, with its vertical lines accentuating its height. The statue, made of tempered copper, depicts a young woman in a serene and epic pose. She holds a capital of Zvartnots Cathedral in one hand, symbolizing the Armenian people's peaceful creativity and architectural genius, while the other hand holds a palm branch. The figure, standing proud and half-clothed, is a work of classical beauty, characterized by its graceful posture, flowing silhouette, and the plasticity of the folds in her clothing. The back of the monument features an image of Nemesis, the winged goddess of Greek retribution, adding a layer of depth to its symbolic meaning.
In front of the monument lies the grave of the unknown soldier, marked by an eternal flame and a raised clenched fist.
This monument is not only a regional version of Yerevan's Victory Monument but also serves a dual purpose: to celebrate the victory with grand architectural and sculptural expressions, to honor the fallen, and to extol the virtues of peaceful creation.
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