The Unreachable Mother Armenia

In 1976, the 10-meter (some sources claim 17-meter) aluminum sculpture of Mother Armenia, also known as Arevik, was created by Adibek Grigoryan and placed near the Kayan district of Aygehovit village in Armenia's Tavush region, along the road connecting Azerbaijan and Armenia. This statue was an earlier version of the Arevik figure, originally intended for placement in one of the Central Asian republics. However, it was rejected for allegedly accentuating the female form too much. The statue was later revised and installed under the name Mother Armenia at the border.

The scale model of Arevik, or Mother Armenia, along with sculptor Adibek Grigoryan! In this image, we can see the earlier design, where she holds a jar in her left arm

The monument, depicting an Armenian woman with outstretched arms framed by sun-like rays, once symbolized Armenia’s welcoming spirit, greeting visitors from Russia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.

Today, the area where it stands is part of the village of Aygehovit in Tavush region. Unfortunately, on the night of September 28-29, 2014, a strong wind caused the edging frame, resembling the 'rays of the sun,' to fall from the statue, but Mother Armenia remains standing tall.

Mother Armenia back in Soviet times

Now situated within a minefield, the statue is impossible to approach, adding to its mystique and inaccessibility.

While researching this monument, I came across an insightful article by Maya Khachatryan, published in Independent Reporting. Below is an excerpt from her interview with Aygehovit resident, former village head, and agriculturalist Henrik Hovsepyan:

 “Back in the Soviet years, Azerbaijanis installed a monument symbolizing the three countries of the region, which had an obvious political meaning. They portrayed themselves very big, as if they were dominating over Armenia and Georgia. In response, our regional leadership installed the 'Arevik' monument. The position of the monument was such that it could be seen from every house in that Azerbaijani settlement. Our 17-meter beauty became a mandatory stop for tourists visiting Armenia, where they would get out, take photos by the monument, and then continue their journey.

Mother Armenia, as seen by Yulia Grigoryants after 2014, when the edging frame had already been damaged by the wind

Approaching 'Arevik' is now prohibited; it can only be viewed from a distance, as the entire area is heavily mined. The monument is located directly across from Azerbaijani military positions, which is why nearly every shot fired has hit the statue. The area around 'Arevik' is under the control of our soldiers. During Soviet times, there was also a police outpost and a government reception house here, where South Caucasian leaders often shook hands. Aygehovit residents remember that during the times of Demirchyan and Kochinyan, many guests from neighboring republics were received here, including former Azerbaijani President Ayaz Mutallibov and former Georgian President Zviad Gamsakhurdia. The wish of Aygehovit residents is to remove the statue and relocate it to a safer place, although the community head notes that relocating it could also be dangerous if heavy machinery like cranes is brought in for dismantling".