Your trusted source

“I think that the construction of the “Old Yerevan” complex is dangerous in its approach. It has been already spoken that a monument cannot be removed from its environment. However, there are cases, when monuments are being relocated because of the natural disaster, war, or colonization, after which monuments are sent to the museums. These relocations presuppose that monuments dramatically change their historic context and environment. In these cases, scientific and artistic approach is needed to restore and highlight the original, historic context of the monument. 

However, even when the monument remains in its place, its restoration or partial reconstruction must be carried out carefully and gently. Restoration activities must refer to every detail of the monument in order not distort its overall structure and historical image.

An “Old Yerevan” project seems to highlight the artificial and theatrical nature of that environment. This project will be introduced to the society as a restoration project of the environment. Its consequences will be much deeper. Armenian citizens would think that their history may be easily changed and synthesized. Such ironic approach in the citizens’ conscious is very dangerous. The city’s environment is very fragile and gentle sphere. And the factors which constitute that environment are interconnected. The absence of one of these factors may turn this project into something related to Disneyland. Although from the business perspective, the project may be successful, it has nothing common with the city’s historical environment.