Memorial of the Battle of Avarayr in Gyumri

The Memorial to the Battle of Avarayr, made in 2008 by sculptor Artush Papoyan is placed in in Vartanants Square in Gyumri. The Battle of Avarayr, considered one of the first battles in defense of the Christian faith, was fought on 26 May 451 on the plain of Avarayr, in Vaspurakan, between a Christian Armenian army under the command of Vardan Mamikonian and Sassanid Persia. According to Kees van Tilburg / equestrianstatue.org «Vartan Mamikonian (393-451) also known as Saint Vardan was an Armenian military leader, a martyr and a saint of the Armenian Church. He is best known for leading the Armenian army at the Battle of Avarayr in 451, which ultimately secured the Armenians’ right to practice Christianity. (...) Although the Persians were victorious on the battlefield, the battle proved to be a major strategic victory for Armenians, as Avarayr paved the way to the Nvarsak Treaty of 484 AD, which affirmed Armenia’s right to practise Christianity freely.The battle is seen as one of the most significant events in Armenian history.» These photos were taken in August 2025 and show some views of The Memorial to the Battle of Avarayr, including the statue of Vartan Mamikonian and the four standing figures: Catholicos Hovsep I of Armenia, Gevond Yerets, Mamikonians mother and Prince Arshavi II of Kamsarakan.