Yerevan Faces Backlash Over Removal of Fallen Soldiers' Murals
Faces erased: Why Yerevan must preserve the memory of its fallen heroes
Municipal authorities in Yerevan have painted over murals depicting soldiers killed in Armenia's recent conflicts, sparking controversy among families and community members. The removals, described by city officials as routine underpass maintenance, included portraits of Haykaz Mkrtchyan, a 19-year-old killed in the 2020 war, and Robert Abajyan, a decorated Hero of Artsakh from the 2016 Four-Day War.
The murals emerged from a grassroots remembrance movement that transformed Yerevan's public spaces into sites of collective memory following military conflicts. Supporters argue they serve as modern khachkars—communal expressions of loss and sacrifice—humanizing the thousands of war casualties.
While city officials cite practical renovation needs, critics contend the selective targeting of soldiers' portraits reflects a broader desire to distance the nation from painful recent history. The incident has reignited debate over how Armenia honors its fallen and preserves collective memory.
