Concerns mount over planned dismantling of WWII memorial in Armenian town

Artists, local residents and public figures have voiced concern over plans to dismantle a World War II memorial in the town of Artik, fearing the move could set a troubling precedent for other historical monuments across Armenia.

The monument, erected in 1965 in Artik’s central Liberty Square, commemorates the victims of the Great Patriotic War (World War II) and is designated as a nationally significant monument. Despite its protected status, the local authorities, backed by the Armenian government, have approved its dismantling and relocation.

Historian and political analyst Derenik Malkhasyan suggested the decision could signal a shift toward policies echoing those of Eastern European and Baltic countries, where Soviet-era WWII monuments have been removed amid growing anti-Russian sentiment.

“If dismantling is successful in Artik, this may become a model other communities will follow,” Malkhasyan warned in a social media post on July 26.

In an interview with Panorama.am on Tuesday, Artur Gevorgyan, a sculptor and head of the Gyumri National Park-Museum of Sculpture, stated that dismantling such a monument is unprecedented in Armenia.

“No monument recognized as cultural heritage and registered with a passport has ever been dismantled in Armenia. When necessary, they’ve always been restored on-site,” Gevorgyan said,

“They claim it will be reassembled later, but such promises are rarely fulfilled. This may very well become a lingering issue for the community.”

Gevorgyan also criticized the official reasoning behind the dismantling. He said that during discussions with local officials, some claimed the monument obstructs the view of the Artik Municipality building.

“This is absurd,” Gevorgyan said. “The monument and the surrounding buildings, including the Municipality, were built according to a unified urban design plan. They do not interfere with one another.”

Officials have also cited plans to develop a recreational zone in the area. However, Gevorgyan argued that the existing space, with its benches, fountain and open layout, already serves that function and could be revitalized without removing the monument.

He further questioned the financial feasibility of the project. Documents released by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports mention an allocation of 5 million drams (approx. $12,500) for the project, a sum Gevorgyan says is insufficient for properly dismantling and restoring a monument of this scale.

“You can’t dismantle and restore such a massive structure with so little funding,” he stated.

Gevorgyan also condemned the lack of public consultation. Descendants of WWII veterans, local cultural experts, and other stakeholders were not involved in the decision-making process.

“Any relocation of a monument with cultural heritage status requires a detailed, well-justified government resolution,” he argued.

The sculptor warned that the dismantling of a World War II memorial in Armenia would trigger a profound moral and ideological crisis.

“This isn’t just about a monument, it’s about our values. Are we denying our grandfathers’ victory? What message are we sending to future generations?” he asked.

“If a WWII monument is dismantled today, who’s to say they won’t do the same to memorials honoring Artsakh war heroes under the same pretext of urban development tomorrow?”

When contacted by Panorama.am, Sevak Petoyan, an assistant to Artik’s mayor, confirmed that the issue remains under discussion.

“The Artik Municipality will soon release an official statement and may hold a press conference to address all questions,” Petoyan said.