Introduction

Every city tells a story of power. In Yerevan, these narratives of protest, authority, revolution, and wealth are etched into the very stones of its squares, avenues, and hidden corners. But how do you learn to read them?

Join me, a contemporary artist and theorist, for a political walking tour that goes beyond the headlines. We will journey through the key sites that have shaped Armenia’s modern history, from the collapse of the Soviet Union to the Velvet Revolution and beyond. This is an exploration of the forces that define a nation, seen on the streets where history was, and still is, being made.

About Your Guide:

As a contemporary artist and theorist based in Yerevan for over 30 years, my work has always interrogated the dynamics of public space: who owns it, who shapes it, and what stories it is forced to tell. My art, featured in international exhibitions like the Venice Biennale, often explores the visual language of power, memory, and social structures.

I approach Yerevan’s political landscape not as a journalist, but as a critical observer. My goal is to help you decode the symbolism of a monument, understand the strategic importance of a public square, and see how architecture—from Soviet-era government buildings to modern oligarch villas—reflects the political and economic currents of our time.

What You’ll Explore:

• Theaters of Revolution: Stand in the pivotal squares and on the avenues where Armenia’s most significant protests, including the 2018 Velvet Revolution, unfolded. We’ll discuss the tactics of civil disobedience and the role of urban space in popular movements.
• The Architecture of Authority: Examine the imposing facades of key government buildings. We’ll analyze their design and what it communicates about state power, both in the Soviet period and in contemporary, independent Armenia.
• Contested Histories & Monuments: Discuss the stories behind Yerevan’s statues and memorials. Who is celebrated, who is erased, and how do these monuments reflect shifting national ideologies?
• Landscapes of Power & Privilege: Journey to the city’s more exclusive districts to observe the architecture of the post-Soviet elite. We’ll discuss the rise of the oligarch class and its visible impact on Yerevan’s urban and social fabric from a safe and respectful distance.
• The Living Present: Connect the past to today. We’ll discuss current events and the ongoing political conversations that animate daily life, providing you with a grounded, real-world understanding of modern Armenia.

Why This Tour is Unique:

• A Critical, Artistic Lens: Move beyond dates and facts. Learn to analyze the political landscape through the unique perspective of an artist trained to deconstruct visual and social narratives.
• Nuanced & Balanced: This tour is committed to exploring complex issues from multiple angles. It is a safe space for curious, open-minded dialogue, not a platform for simple political rhetoric.
• Unfiltered Local Insight: Gain an understanding of Armenia’s political culture that you can’t get from news articles, enriched by the personal and professional observations of a 30-year resident.
• Connects Past to Present: Understand how historical events and Soviet legacies continue to shape the challenges and opportunities facing Armenia today.

Practical Details:

• Tour Duration: “Approximately 2-3 hours”
• Meeting Point: “We will meet at Monument to Alexander Tamanyan 40°11’18.9″N 44°30’55.5″E (Tamanyan Street, 2A, Yerevan).”
• Walking Distance: We will cover roughly 5 kilometers (3miles) at a relaxed pace.
• What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a bottle of water, a hat or sunscreen for sunny days, and your camera.
• Language: This tour is conducted in English.(Russian by special request)
• Group Size:To keep the experience personal and interactive, tours are limited to a maximum of 7 people.

Call to Action:

Ready to understand the forces that have shaped modern Armenia? Contact me to inquire about availability and book a tour that will change the way you see Yerevan.