Mother Armenia represents the feminine embodiment of Armenia. Her most renowned depiction stands as a massive statue located in Victory Park, overlooking the capital city, Yerevan.
History of the Mother Armenia Statue:
The original statue at this site was of Joseph Stalin, which was replaced in 1962 by the Mother Armenia statue. The current statue serves as a memorial commemorating the victory in World War II. During Stalin’s rule over the Soviet Union, the monument was overseen by Grigor Harutyunyan, the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Armenia, and other government members. It was completed and unveiled to the public on November 29, 1950. The statue was a masterpiece by sculptor Sergei Merkurov, and the pedestal was designed by architect Rafayel Israyelian. Israyelian, recognizing that the pedestal might only temporarily host a statue of a tyrant, designed it to resemble a three-nave Armenian basilica, as he acknowledged years later, “Knowing that the glory of tyrants is short-lived, I built a simple three-nave Armenian basilica.” Contrary to the angular shapes of the exterior, the interior is well-lit and visually appealing, resembling the 7th-century Church of Saint Hripsime in Etchmiadzin.
In the spring of 1962, Stalin’s statue was removed, resulting in the death of one soldier and injuries to several others during the operation. In 1967, the Mother Armenia statue designed by Ara Harutyunyan was installed. The model for “Mother Armenia” was a 17-year-old girl named Zhenya Muradyan, whom Harutyunyan met in a shop and convinced to pose for the statue.
Standing at 22 meters (72 feet), the total height of the monument, including the pedestal, is 51 meters (167 feet). The statue is made of hammered copper, while the pedestal-museum is constructed from basalt.
Symbolism:
The Mother Armenia statue symbolizes peace through strength. It may remind viewers of prominent female figures in Armenian history, such as Sose Mayrig and others, who took up arms to assist their husbands in battles against Turkish forces and Kurdish fighters. It also reflects the significance and respect attributed to the elder female members of Armenian families.
Perched on a hill overlooking Yerevan, the statue appears as a guardian of Armenia’s capital. Every year on May 9, thousands of Armenians visit the Mother Armenia statue and lay flowers to honor Armenian martyrs of World War II. The pedestal houses the Mother Armenia Military Museum under the Ministry of Defense. Initially, it hosted a military museum dedicated to World War II. Today, a substantial portion of the exhibition space is devoted to the Nagorno-Karabakh War of 1988-1994, showcasing personal belongings, weapons, and documents of participants, with walls adorned with their photos. Among other historical artifacts, there is a map used by Armenian forces to organize their campaign for the Battle of Shushi.
Additional Information:
Beyond its historical and cultural symbolism, the Mother Armenia statue stands as a symbol of national pride, strength, and sacrifice. The statue represents the resilience of the Armenian nation through various eras and challenges. As a significant tourist attraction in Yerevan, it draws visitors from around the world to learn about its history.
In recent years, the Mother Armenia statue has become a venue for numerous national events and celebrations honoring the memory of Armenian heroes and martyrs. Art and cultural exhibitions are organized around the statue, attracting more visitors and enhancing its cultural and historical value.
This statue contributes to fostering national unity and reminding new generations of their rich history and heritage, remaining a living symbol of peace and strength in the hearts of Armenians.