Yerevan history

Yerevan is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that stretches back deep into the centuries. Its past is rich with events that have left a significant mark on the architecture, culture, and very spirit of the modern capital of Armenia. Officially, the history of the city begins in 782 BC, when the Urartian King Argishti I founded the fortress city of Erebuni on the Arin Berd hill. This fact is confirmed by a cuneiform inscription on a stone slab discovered by archaeologists in 1950. It is believed that the modern name of the city is derived from "Erebuni," making Yerevan nearly three decades older than Rome.

Several key factors contributed to the city's development and longevity: its strategic location in the fertile Ararat Valley, its position at the crossroads of important caravan routes connecting Europe and Asia, and its consistent political influence in the region over the centuries. From its very foundation, Erebuni was not merely a military citadel but a developed urban centre. Archaeological excavations have revealed palace complexes, temples, and utility buildings here, and the palace walls were adorned with frescoes characteristic of ancient Eastern art.

The economy of the ancient city relied on advanced agriculture, made possible by the creation of irrigation canals, as well as on crafts and trade. Numerous items found during excavations, such as pottery, jewellery, and weaponry, testify to the high level of craftsmanship and culture of the inhabitants of the Kingdom of Urartu. These artefacts and the ruins of the fortress itself are today an essential part of Yerevan's historical heritage.

Key Milestones in the History of Yerevan

The history of Yerevan spans nearly three millennia. The city has experienced rises and falls, been part of great empires, and served as the capital of independent states. Below is a brief chronology of the most important events that shaped the appearance and spirit of the modern Armenian capital.

Antiquity and the Middle Ages

• 782 BC — King Argishti I of Urartu founds the fortress city of Erebuni, considered the birth date of Yerevan.
• VI–IV centuries BC — The city becomes an important administrative and economic centre within the Persian Achaemenid Empire.
• V century AD — Construction of the Church of Saint Paul and Peter (Surb Poghos-Petros), one of the city's earliest Christian temples (demolished in 1931).
• 658 — Yerevan comes under the control of the Arab Caliphate, securing its status as a vital hub at the intersection of trade routes.
• 1604 — During the wars between the Ottoman and Persian empires, Persian Shah Abbas I conducts a forced resettlement of Armenians, known as the "Great Surgun," leading to the depopulation of the city.
• 1679 — A devastating earthquake wipes out most of the city, after which its slow reconstruction begins.

Modern and Contemporary History

• 1827 — Russian troops under the command of General Ivan Paskevich storm the Erivan Fortress.
• 1828 — Under the Treaty of Turkmenchay, the city, known as Erivan, officially becomes part of the Russian Empire.
• 1849 — Erivan becomes the administrative centre of the newly formed Erivan Governorate.
• 1918 — On 28 May, the city is proclaimed the capital of the First Republic of Armenia.
• 1924 — The master plan for the reconstruction of Yerevan, designed by architect Alexander Tamanian, is approved, defining its modern look as the "Pink City."
• 1936 — The official name of the city is changed from Erivan to Yerevan.
• 1981 — The first line of the Yerevan Metro opens.
• 1991 — Yerevan becomes the capital of the independent Republic of Armenia following the dissolution of the USSR.

Main Stages of Yerevan's Development

Modern Yerevan is the result of several key stages of transformation that defined its economic, cultural, and architectural appearance. Each of these periods left an indelible mark on the character of the city.

• Capital Status (from 1918). The proclamation of Yerevan as the capital, first of the First Republic of Armenia (1918) and then of the Armenian SSR (1920), was a turning point. This new status transformed a small provincial town into the political and cultural centre of the nation, sparking its rapid growth and development.
• Alexander Tamanian's Master Plan (1924). This urban planning project is the foundation of modern Yerevan. Architect Alexander Tamanian developed a plan that turned chaotic development into a harmonious system with a radial-circular structure, wide avenues, and green zones. It was thanks to his idea of using local pink tuff as the main building material that Yerevan received its famous nickname — the "Pink City".
• Soviet Industrialisation (1930–1980s). During this period, Yerevan turned into a major industrial and scientific centre of the USSR. Dozens of factories were founded, including enterprises producing electrical equipment, machine tools, and chemical products. Simultaneously, the scientific sphere developed: numerous research institutes were opened, such as the famous Yerevan Computer Research and Development Institute (YerNIIMM), making the Armenian SSR one of the "Silicon Valleys" of the Union.
• Formation of the Cultural Landscape (1930–1960s). Parallel to industrial growth, active cultural construction took place. Iconic landmarks were erected, becoming symbols of the city: the Armenian Opera and Ballet Theatre (part of Tamanian's plan) and the monumental building of the Matenadaran — the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, opened in 1959 and becoming one of the world's largest repositories of manuscripts.
• Modern Urban Planning (from the 1990s). After gaining independence in 1991, Yerevan entered a new era of development. During this period, large-scale projects conceived in the previous century were realised. The most notable of these was the construction of Northern Avenue, a pedestrian street connecting the city's two central squares. This and other modern projects demonstrate the continuing evolution of the Armenian capital.

The architectural appearance of Yerevan is a unique combination of several key eras, each of which has left its unique mark. From ancient foundations to ultra-modern buildings, the city tells its story through stone, concrete, and glass.

Pre-Soviet Period and Early Urban Plans

Until the early 20th century, Yerevan was a city with predominantly chaotic development, characteristic of Eastern cities, with narrow streets and clay houses. However, as early as the 19th century, after joining the Russian Empire, the first stone buildings in the style of Russian Classicism began to appear, built from dark, almost black tuff. Some of these structures, for example on Abovyan Street, have survived to this day and contrast with the later "pink" development. This period laid the foundation for transforming Yerevan into a European-style city.

Soviet Neoclassicism — Alexander Tamanian's "Pink City"

A decisive role in shaping the modern look of Yerevan was played by the 1924 master plan developed by architect Alexander Tamanian. His "Garden City" concept with a radial-circular centre structure defined the capital's development for decades to come. Tamanian's key idea was the use of local volcanic tuff of various shades, predominantly pink, which gave Yerevan its famous nickname. This style, combining neoclassical forms with elements of traditional Armenian church architecture, can be seen in iconic ensembles:

• Republic Square — the heart of the city, surrounded by monumental buildings, including the Government House and ministry buildings, decorated with exquisite stone carving.
• Armenian Opera and Ballet Theatre — a majestic building that has become one of the main cultural symbols of the capital.

Soviet Modernism and Brutalism (1960–1980s)

From the late 1950s, Stalinist Empire style was replaced by Soviet Modernism, which acquired special features in Armenia. Architects began to actively experiment with concrete, glass, and bold geometric forms, often combining them with traditional stone. This period gifted the city with many expressive and futuristic objects:

• Old Terminal of Zvartnots Airport (1980) — a cult structure, the circular shape of which references the ruins of the ancient Zvartnots temple.
• Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex (1983) — a massive building on Tsitsernakaberd hill, resembling in its outlines either a bird or a spaceship.
• Cinema Rossiya (now a shopping centre) — a striking example of brutalism with its curved concrete forms resembling two ships.
• Yeritasardakan Metro Station — known for its original ground-level vestibule in the form of an inclined concrete tube reaching towards the sky.

Modern Architecture (from 1991)

After gaining independence, Yerevan's architectural development entered a new phase. This period is characterised by the appearance of high-rise buildings made of glass and metal, elite residential complexes, and business centres. The most large-scale project was Northern Avenue — a modern pedestrian artery connecting Republic Square and the Opera Theatre. The avenue is lined with elite residential buildings, offices, and boutiques in a neoclassical style, which sparks debate but demonstrates the city's desire for renewal. Also completed during this period was the famous architectural complex "Cascade", which has become one of the main observation decks and cultural centres of the city.

Distinguished Personalities in the History of Yerevan

Yerevan, as an ancient cultural and political centre, has been the birthplace or place of work for many outstanding figures. Their contributions have had a significant impact not only on Armenia but also on world science and art.

• Alexander Tamanian (1878–1936) — Architect, Urban Planner. A key figure in shaping the appearance of modern Yerevan. In 1924, he developed the city's master plan, which turned provincial Erivan into a modern capital with a unique architectural style combining neoclassicism and national motifs. It was Tamanian who proposed using pink tuff as the main building material, gifting Yerevan its famous nickname "Pink City."
• Martiros Saryan (1880–1972) — Painter. One of the founders of the modern Armenian school of painting. His works, filled with light and bright colours, celebrate the nature and life of Armenia. The artist's house-museum is located in Yerevan, housing a significant part of his legacy.
• Aram Khachaturian (1903–1978) — Composer, Conductor. One of the most famous composers of the 20th century, whose music has become a treasure of world classics. Although born in Tbilisi, his work is inextricably linked with Armenian culture. The "Sabre Dance" from the ballet "Gayane" brought him worldwide fame. His house-museum operates in Yerevan.
• Viktor Ambartsumian (1908–1996) — Astrophysicist, Scientist. One of the founders of theoretical astrophysics. In 1946, he founded the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory near Yerevan, which became one of the leading global centres for astronomical research. Ambartsumian was the long-standing president of the Academy of Sciences of the Armenian SSR.
• Sergei Parajanov (1924–1990) — Film Director, Artist. An outstanding director who created his own unique language in cinema. His films, such as "The Color of Pomegranates," filmed in Armenia, have entered the treasury of world cinema. Parajanov spent the last years of his life in Yerevan, where his popular house-museum is located today.
• Armen Dzhigarkhanyan (1935–2020) — Theatre and Film Actor. One of the most prolific actors in the history of Soviet and Russian cinema, born in Yerevan. His multifaceted talent and charisma made him a favourite of audiences across the entire post-Soviet space.
• Charles Aznavour (1924–2018) — Chansonnier, Actor, Public Figure. A world-famous French singer of Armenian descent. He never forgot his roots and made a huge contribution to supporting Armenia, especially after the devastating earthquake of 1988. A square in the centre of Yerevan is named after Aznavour, and in 2008 he received Armenian citizenship.