We present the next story in the “Disappearing Yerevan” series.

Arami Street is one of the oldest streets in Yerevan. It was formed in the second half of the 19th century, when the Yerevan Fortress began to decline and the city started to expand. The street is named in honor of Aram Manukyan, one of the founding fathers of the First Republic of Armenia.

Unfortunately, this historic building has been neglected over the years and has not been preserved.

The building is included in the “Old Yerevan” development project and is subject to dismantling and relocation. However, the Armenian Government’s decision regarding the expropriation of the monument’s territory contradicts its legal status as a protected cultural property.

The developer has lost the right of acquisition, and the building is not subject to expropriation. According to Article 4, Point 3 of the Law of the Republic of Armenia “On the Expropriation of Property for the Needs of Society and the State” (adopted on November 27, 2006, HO-185-N):

“The need of society and the state cannot be considered an exceptional prevailing public interest if the implementation of the expropriation purpose does not begin within seven years after the government’s corresponding decision recognizing the public interest enters into force.”
The TIAC online database presents the fate of 94 historical buildings, detailing their past, architectural value, legal status, and the challenges surrounding their preservation.