Soghomon Tehlirian’s Statue in Armenia
On April 22, 2015, amidst the somber reflections on the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, a powerful symbol of justice emerged in Maralik city, Armenia. Standing tall near the Maralik Culture Palace, a 4 meter tall bronze statue of Soghomon Tehlirian was unveiled.
Soghomon Tehlirian's name is etched into history as the man who assassinated Talaat Pasha, one of the architects of the Armenian Genocide and other ethnic cleansings during his tenure as Minister of Interior Affairs. In a desperate quest for justice and retribution for the countless lives lost and families shattered, Tehlirian took matters into his own hands.
Note that beneath Tehlirian's feet lies the head of Talaat Pasha
The statue, erected through the efforts of philanthropist Yura Hovhannisyan, serves as a testament to Tehlirian's unwavering determination and the resilience of the Armenian people in the face of unspeakable atrocities. Crafted by sculptor Samvel Petrosyan, the monument stands at a towering height of 4 meters, symbolizing the magnitude of Tehlirian's actions and the weight of his legacy.
In the depiction, Tehlirian stands atop a granite plinth, his posture resolute and determined, with a gun in hand. Beneath his feet lies the head of Talaat Pasha, a striking visual representation of justice prevailing over tyranny. Every detail of the statue speaks volumes – from Tehlirian's unwavering gaze to the symbolic gesture of triumph over oppression.
The Maralik city culture palace was constructed during the Soviet era in the 1970s by architect Martin Mikayelyan
In Soviet times, the same spot was occupied by a statue of Vladimir Lenin, a stark contrast to the monument of Tehlirian. This transformation reflects not only a shift in political ideologies but also a reclaiming of history and a reaffirmation of Armenian identity.