Memorial complex Sardarapat

Architect: Rafael Israelyan
Sculptors: Arsham Shahinyan, Samvel Manasyan, Ara Harutyunyan
Architectural style: Armenian architecture
Founded: 1968-1978
From Yerevan: 54.3 km / 52 min.

Sardarapat National Ethnographic Museum was built in 1978, in the place of heroic battle of Sardarapat in May of 1918; due to Armenian soldiers’ bitter struggle the brilliant victory was won. After October Revolution Turks, taking the advantage Russian Army’s leaving home, broke ceasefire of Yerznka and intended to realize capture program of not only Western, but also Eastern Armenia. But in 22-26th of May Turkish Army surrendered. Everyone took part in the battle: elderlies, women, and even children.
According to architect Rafael Israelyan’s plan a tuff made museum was built left to the memorial complex. From outside this two-store building has entrance and two angular windows: first directed to Mount Ararat, the other – to Aragats; no window from facade. At the entrance of the museum there is a vishap – an ancient mythological creature, spirit of water. The consecutive halls are situated along the perimeter of the building. Those big halls of the building are lightened by the windows of the patios. They seem to be merged in a single volume and make a complete uniform composition. The solid-colored marble and high walls attract with their beauty. The central hall ceiling of the building is arched. It was planned according to the form of Armenian traditional domed homes. The main purpose of building of “Sardarapat” National Ethnographic Museum was to preserve all the material, concerning to May battle. The central hall is devoted exactly to those events and to the establishment of the first Republic of Armenia. Items of Armenian material culture are represented at the museum: from tools of bronze century up to Armenian national garments and XX century carpets. All these allow perceiving the development of craft and peculiarities of Armenian lifestyle in different periods.
This museum is part of “Sardarapat” Memorial Complex, so nearby you will see a huge territory with bell tower, two winged bulls, standing on left and right sides, eagle alley, leading to the Ethnographic Museum. The complex was built in May of 1978 in honor of breaking Turkish Army in 26th of May in 1918; to 50th anniversary of the battle. This is one the most wonderful modern complexes.