The cultural capital of Armenia: Gyumri — where it is located, what is known about it

Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia, is known for its rich history, cultural heritage and industrial potential. In recent years, the authorities have been struggling with the consequences of the devastating earthquake of 1988, which claimed the lives of more than 25,000 people. Today, the city is back in the spotlight: on October 20, 2025, the Anti-Corruption Committee of Armenia opened a criminal case against Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan and seven administration officials on charges of accepting large-scale bribes, which led to their detention and protests by residents. Read more about the incident, as well as what is known about the city of Gyumri and why it is important for the republic, in the Izvestia article.

History of Gyumri city

Gyumri, formerly known as Kumayri, Alexandropol and Leninakan, has ancient roots: the first settlements on its territory date back to the Bronze Age, and mentions in Armenian sources date back to the 8th century BC. In the Middle Ages, the city was part of various empires, including the Persian and Ottoman empires, and in 1804 it was annexed to the Russian Empire. In 1837, a Russian fortress was built here, and the city was renamed Alexandropol in honor of Nicholas I's wife Alexandra Feodorovna. During the Soviet period, from 1924 to 1990, it was named Leninakan and became the industrial center of the Armenian SSR with a population of over 220 thousand people.

The catastrophic event was the 6.9 magnitude Spitak earthquake on December 7, 1988, which destroyed up to 80% of buildings, claimed the lives of about 25,000 people and led to an economic downturn. After the restoration in 1990, the city returned to the name of Gyumri, preserving the unique architecture of black tuff of the XIX century and the status of a cultural center.

Gyumri residents are trying to get through to the detained Mayor Ghukasyan

Where is Gyumri located

Gyumri is located in northwestern Armenia, in the Shirak region, at an altitude of 1500-1550 m above sea level in the center of the Shirak Valley, surrounded by mountains. The city is located 126 km northwest of the capital Yerevan, close to the borders with Turkey (about 10 km) and Georgia (about 60 km).

The area is about 46 square kilometers, the population according to the latest estimates is 118-146 thousand people, which makes it the second largest in the republic after Yerevan. The city has an international airport "Shirak", providing communication with Russia and Europe. The strategic location at the crossroads of transport routes makes Gyumri an important logistics hub in the region.

What is produced in Gyumri

Gyumri's industry, which was severely affected by the 1988 earthquake, is gradually recovering and includes several key industries. The basis is the textile industry — factories for the production of clothing, fabrics and shoes, where a significant number of residents are employed. The food industry is represented by factories producing beer, mineral water, dairy products, sugar and animal feed.

There are enterprises for the manufacture of building materials, furniture, electrical equipment and meat processing plants. The surrounding area has developed agriculture with an emphasis on cereals, dairy farming and poultry farming.

Why Gyumri is important for Armenia

Gyumri plays the role of the cultural and sports capital of Armenia, contributing to the national heritage and regional development. The city is the birthplace of many artists, musicians and Olympic champions, with numerous galleries, museums and festivals that attract tourists.

Economically, Gyumri is important as an industrial hub in the north of the country, unloading Yerevan and stimulating exports. The strategic importance is emphasized by the presence of the Russian military base No. 102, which ensures the security of the region.

What is happening in Gyumri now

On October 20, 2025, the Anti-Corruption Committee of Armenia opened a criminal case against the mayor of Gyumri, Vardan Ghukasyan, and seven employees of the administration. The charges relate to receiving large-scale bribes. According to the investigation, Ghukasyan and his subordinates demanded 4 million drams (about 10 thousand dollars) for the legalization of illegal construction and falsification of documents. The arrest took place with the participation of dozens of security forces, who cordoned off the mayor's office, conducted searches and arrested suspects right in the offices.

The incident provoked protests: hundreds of residents gathered outside the administration building, demanding the mayor's release, which led to clashes with the police. The work of the mayor's office is paralyzed, investigative actions are continuing. This is not the first scandal: earlier, Ghukasyan's son was accused of extortion and embezzlement of property. The situation may affect political stability in the Shirak region, where Ghukasyan was popular.