A few days ago a number of media outlets reported of construction work in Yerevan's Central indoor market (pak shuka) on Mesrop Mashtots Avenue being underway. It turned out in situ that massive construction, including underground floors in the midsection of the standing building, was in full swing. It also became clear that the construction work in the site of the monument, recorded in the state register of immovable monuments of history and culture of republican importance in Yerevan city, was not concurred with Yerevan Municipality. Neither was it concurred with state authorized body -Ministry of Culture of Armenia. Yerevan's central indoor (enclosed) market is of both architectural and engineering value and historic importance. Designed by Architect G. Aghababyan, whose centennial anniversary was marked last year, and Constructor H. Arakelyan, the indoor market has been granted numerous awards and printed in nearly all publications on Yerevan. Therefore, we hereby demand that - the construction works underway at construction site, included in the state register of immovable monuments of history and culture of republican importance in Yerevan city (No. 1.6.152), be stopped - mediations in design be discussed in relevant subdivisions of the Ministry of Culture pursuant to the Law of the Republic of Armenia "On the Protection and Use of Immovable Historical and Cultural Monuments and Historical Environment" - the project, including changes in the monument's interior, be submitted to broad and thorough professional discussion in Urban Development Council under Yerevan Municipality - public awareness raising campaigns and required discussions be held according to the Law of the Republic of Armenia "On Urban Development." We fervently hope that in response to this letter our society will witness another manifestation of reasonable and understanding approach being pursued since last year. Please send your response to Transparency International Anti-corruption Center NGO Office at 6 Aygestan 9th Street, tel.: 569910.
Transparency International Anti-corruption Center NGO, "Old and New City" Foundation, "Our City" Public Policy Initiative, "We are the Owners of This City" Civic Initiative, "Save Republic Square" Civic Initiative, "Victims of State Needs" NGO, Urban Lab Yerevan, "Save the Monuments" Initiative"
