A Remarkable Soviet-era Bas-Relief in Gyumri

Armenia’s second-largest city, Gyumri, is known not only for its distinctive pre-Soviet and Soviet architecture but also for its long-standing blacksmithing traditions. It’s no surprise that in 2023 this tradition was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Today, though, we’re looking at another part of Gyumri’s cultural landscape — Soviet-era monumental art, specifically a 1977 bas-relief created by sculptor Ferdinand Araqelyan.

As you walk up Garegin Nzhdeh Street, just before reaching Charles Aznavour Square, you’ll notice a supermarket called Baseni Govq on your left. The façade of the supermarket is adorned with a striking bas-relief titled “Hospitality.”

The "Hospitality" bas-relief in Soviet times

Ferdinand Araqelyan completed the bas-relief in 1977, and a year later the new Shirak Hotel opened its doors behind it. The hotel’s architect was Grigor Ghazazyan, who served as the chief architect of Leninakan (the former name of Gyumri) from 1961 to 1962.

The “Hospitality” bas-relief before the reconstruction

During Soviet times, the artwork decorated the façade of the Shirak Hotel, which was destroyed in the 1988 earthquake. Miraculously, the bas-relief survived.

In November 2017, the Armenian government approved the allocation of the former hotel site to Baseni Govq LLC. The investor committed to a 1-billion-dram redevelopment project, promising to build a four-story service center and create 100–150 new jobs. A key condition was the preservation of Araqelyan’s bas-relief “Hospitality.” To ensure the project wouldn’t stall, the government set a three-year deadline for the reconstruction.

The “Hospitality” bas-relief in the course of reconstruction

The Saribekyan brothers carried out the restoration with exceptional care, meticulously repairing damaged sections and cleaning the darkened areas of red tuff.

Today, the bas-relief is fully restored and beautifully preserved — a genuine Soviet-era gem that draws curious travelers from around the world.