The Cemetery of German POWs in Gyumri

During and after World War II, thousands of German prisoners of war were transported to Armenia, where they participated in various labor projects. The total number of prisoners of war in Armenia amounted to around 16,160. Among them was the renowned Austrian zoologist, ethologist, and ornithologist Konrad Lorenz, who later shared the 1973 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Nikolaas Tinbergen and Karl von Frisch. I previously wrote an article titled

"Konrad Lorenz's Life as a Prisoner of War in Armenia"—feel free to check it out!

As in other parts of Armenia, in Gyumri—known as Leninakan during Soviet times—German prisoners of war primarily worked on construction projects in the "Nor Avan" neighborhood. Their labor was also used for road building, and it was these prisoners who laid the stone-paved streets that still adorn the city center today.

Sadly, many of these prisoners did not survive long enough to return to their homeland and passed away in Armenia.

Today, several cemeteries in Armenia remain preserved where these prisoners were buried. One such cemetery is located in the "Slabotka" district of Gyumri, next to the former prison. Here, 369 German prisoners of war are buried. From time to time, German tourists visit this site to pay their respects to their compatriots.

Modest crosses can be seen covering the cemetery, along with an information board and an inscription in German and Russian: 'Here lie the prisoners of war—victims of the Second World War.'"

Years ago, the graves were numbered to help relatives from Germany locate the resting places of their loved ones. In the 1970s, the body of a German colonel was taken back to Germany by his family. According to some accounts, one of the former prisoners, after returning to Germany, provided financial support to help establish this cemetery for his fellow countrymen. The cemetery was maintained until the 1988 earthquake.

Before the earthquake, the cemetery caretaker was a man named Spiridon. Despite having fought in the Great Patriotic War and being wounded by Germans, Spiridon took care of the prisoners' cemetery and ensured its upkeep. Neighbors testify that after Spiridon's passing, no one has taken over the responsibility of looking after the cemetery.

When I visited the cemetery, it looked neat and well-preserved. From the top of the hillside where it's located, there was a beautiful view opening up toward the city of Gyumri. Join my urban explorer tours to uncover the hidden marvels of Armenia! For a personalized itinerary, please contact me.