Gyumri - the father city of Armenia

Gyumri’s former name was Kumayri. In the Kumayri-Gyumri area, 5000-year-old settlements (Meat factory, Kumayri) and other artifacts from the first to third centuries B.C. have been discovered.
 

There are remains of V-VII century churches in the city area. Some of the most majestic medieval Armenian architectural monuments are in the surrounding areas of the city. Some of them are Yereruk, Marmashen monastery (X-XI centuries), Harich monastery (VII-XIII centuries), Lmbatavanq monastery (VII century), Sarnaghbyour monastery (beginning of XIII century), Artik St. Mother of God (VI century), St. Gevorg (VII century) and Pemzashen churches, Karnut and Lernakert basilica churches (V-VII centuries), Gusannagyugh fortresses and palace (I-XIV centuries), 5000 year old settlements in Horom, Qeti, Shirakavan, Artik, Benjamin, Kaps, Azatan and Jrarat. 
 

Kumayri-Gyumri was a famous educational and scientific center. According to tradition famous calendar maker, geographer and mathematician Anania Shirakatsi, middle age renowned church figure and skilled master Barsegh Tchon, taught in Dprevank.

Gyumri, one of the oldest cities in the world, still hides mysteries and fascinating undiscovered values. There are many unexcavated archeological sites where evidence of early human history can be found. There are localities that contain data of people who lived in this area around 2700-2400 BC.

The city experienced many changes throughout its existence, but the devastating earthquake of 1988 changed the face of the city, dramatically. Approximately 80 percent of the buildings in the city were destroyed and left about fifty thousand people homeless. However after 21 years of struggle, there have been many positive changes, and the citizens of the city have shown an incredible appreciation for the historic values of Gyumri.

Gyumri is the city of masters. The craftsmen (stonemasons, blacksmiths, jewelers, carpenters) express endless devotion towards their valuable skills, inherited from their ancestors.

Art, education, and science are the highest values for the people of Gyumri. One of the greatest folk bards created his works here. Bards such as Sheram and Shirin were born and grew up here.
 

Currently, there is a symphonic orchestra in Gyumri, a folk instrument orchestra, the “Gohar” music ensemble, the multiple international award-winning “Deghdzanik” children’s choirs, Shaboyan’s dance ensemble, The Dance Center, Sports and Dance School, the Municipality Brass Band, the Dramatic Theater and the Puppet Theater. National and modern dances are taught in all of the kindergartens. In art schools, great attention is paid to the teaching of national instruments.

There are many museums in Gyumri, notably the Museum of Architecture and Urban Life of Gyumri, the Shirak Geological Museum containing the largest collection of artifacts in Armenia (about 30,000 pieces), and several house museums such as those of Avetik Isahakyan, Hovhannes Shiraz, the Aslamazyan Sisters, and Mher Mkrtchyan.
Today Gyumri is a vivacious city with the new young generation and new initiatives. The cultural life in Gyumri is unstoppable. People with pleasure attend theater shows and every year new premieres are demonstrated there. The young people continue creating. In fact, Gyumri is home to many musicians, movie directors, and artists.