Gyumri, Armenia – Needs & Goals

Gyumri, Armenia, became a very prosperous city in the 1880s, and the majority of the city’s remarkable architecture was built during that era. In 1980, Gyumri established the Kumayri Museum-Preserve in the city’s central district, which included 1,200 historically significant structures.

Disaster struck in 1988 when Gyumri was devastated by the Spitak earthquake. More than half the city was destroyed and 17,000 died. Historic buildings fared much better than newer structures due to construction methods and materials. As the city struggled to recover, Gyumri municipality recognized the importance of the historic district in creating a sustainable means of economic growth through heritage tourism. Strict regulations established in 2009 have successfully guided ongoing building conservation efforts, and with help from around the world, Gyumri is coming back to life.  

AiP staff first went to Gyumri and met our current project partner in 2011. He introduced us to the city, its traditions and its amazing people. Staff members saw the great value of historic preservation in recovery efforts. At that point, AiP set goals that still guide our work today. Our projects are designed to assist the community in saving historic structures for continuing use. We do this by bringing Jammers (hands-on volunteers) to learn skills and help complete preservation work.

In the broader picture, in the 1990s Armenia had only three cities remaining that maintained their architectural heritage. Since that time, two of the cities have demolished almost all of their historic buildings. Gyumri is now the only city in Armenia with a historic district that showcases its architectural traditions, drawing tourist from around Armenia and the world.

COMMUNITY PROJECT PARTNER

Armen Hovsepyan
Interpreter, Guide & Project Coordinator
Founder, TravelGyumri

Armen was born in 1988, trapped in a collapsed building the night of the earthquake, and has spent much of his life working to improve conditions in his hometown of Gyumri. 

He studied in both Armenia and the US, receiving degrees as an interpreter, in journalism and in public relations. In 2015, he became administrative coordinator for Gyumri Project Hope. This nonprofit was founded to analyze existing challenges and opportunities for the city and find solutions that target development and economic growth through tourism, urban renewal, and cultural development.

Armen founded Travel Gyumri, which provides the latest information on Gyumri and the Shirak region. He is also an avid photographer and is working on a photo documentary about empowering young rural women who are bound by traditions and rules. Armen works for the City of Gyumri, currently in the mayor’s office.

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