Gyumri (formerly Kumayri) is the second largest city in Armenia, which has preserved all the features of the ancient city. The climate is temperate continental. The vegetation is steppe. The relief is flat. The city of Gyumri is covered with rivers, lakes and lava masses. The soil on the territory of the settlement consists of fertile land - black soil. A more detailed history of the city, as well as its strategically important object - the military base - is described in this article.
History
Kumayri joined Persia in 1555. Also this year, the whole of Eastern Armenia joined with him. Gyumri (the modern name that is currently known) in 1837 became known as Alexandropol. This name was given to the city in honor of the wife of Nicholas I. Until 1840, Gyumri was not considered a city. And only during this period he was given such a status. With the advent of Soviet power, it was again renamed Leninakan. It happened in 1924. At the end of 1990, it was renamed Kumayri. And after the former republic of the USSR - Armenia, gained independence, Gyumri (the city) was called by its current name. By him we know him today.
After the settlement received the status of a city, the population began to increase rapidly. The population growth was enormous. But due to the strong earthquake that occurred in 1988, a significant outflow was recorded. The main national composition includes Armenians and Russians. Akhuryan sugar factory, railway junction, airport are located in the city. Carriage and locomotive depots flourish, industries: food, engineering and light.
Sights of Gyumri
Liberty Square (Vardanyan) is the main one in the city. There are monuments to the kings for which Armenia is famous for. Gyumri will also surprise with religious buildings, which are historical monuments. Surb Amenaprkich is a church built on the model of the Turkish Cathedral. Due to a strong earthquake, it was seriously damaged. Therefore, restoration work began, which is still ongoing. Residents are very fond of the central park. Locals like to come here because of the clean air and beauty. Walking here brings only pleasure. It is these places that display the stunning and picturesque landscapes that Armenia is proud of. Gyumri is a great city for tourism.
Continuing the tour, you should pay attention to the local stadium. It is considered the oldest in the republic. The arena holds approx.3000 spectators. And in addition to football matches, concerts are also often held here. Another attraction - the Russian fortress - is located on the outskirts. It was built by order of Nicholas I. Also nearby is the Mother Armenia monument, which was erected after the end of the Great Patriotic War.
The monastery complex is a temple built of red brick, inside there are many different arches and columns. Erected in the XI century. There is also a chapel of the Holy Archangel Michael. It is located in a cemetery where soldiers who participated in the Russian-Turkish war of the 19th century are buried. Another amazing place is the Aparan reservoir. This is a reservoir, the area of which is almost 8 square kilometers. In 1962-1967 it was built on the Kassakh River.
102nd Russian military base: founding
The military base in Gyumri was founded in 1995 in connection with the signing of an agreement between Armenia and the Russian Federation. The location of the object in the Transcaucasian district was the 127th motorized rifle division. The facilities were colossal. On its territory there were various military helicopters, including the legendary Mi-8 and Mi-24, as well as several fighters - the MiG-29. Air defense was due to the use of the S-300V missile system. The number of military personnel exceeded 5000 people. For the families of these people, a military camp was built in the neighborhood. Its number is 4 thousand people.
Backstory
With the advent of Soviet power in the cities of Armenia appearedthe need to create a motorized rifle division. And so the base was formed. It had its own license plate - 164. After the good performance of the division, it was decided to form the 123rd motorized rifle regiment. As a result of the split of the Soviet Union, Armenia suffered enormous losses. Because of this, armed conflicts began both within the state and outside it.
The situation was also aggravated by the factor that the republic was sandwiched between two hostile states at that time - Turkey and Azerbaijan. And conflicts with Greece and Russia have greatly shaken the country's economy. All the cities of Armenia felt their consequences first hand. But still it is worth noting that the country quickly got out of this state. She made it clear that she is a strong and worthy opponent.
