Gyumri (formerly Kumayri) is the city of Armenia, occupying the second largest place, preserving 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 massifs. The soil on the territory of the settlement consists of fertile land - chernozem. A more detailed history of the city, as well as its strategically important object - a military base - is described in this article.
History
Kumairi entered Persia in 1555. Also this year, all of Eastern Armenia joined 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 assigned such a status. With the advent of Soviet power, it was again renamed Leninakan. This happened in 1924. At the end of 1990, it was renamed Kumayri. And after the former republic of the USSR - Armenia gained independence, Gyumri (city) was called the current name. Under him we know him today.
After the settlement received the status of a city, the population rapidly began to increase. The population growth was huge. But due to the strong earthquake that occurred in 1988, a significant outflow was recorded. The main national composition includes Armenians and Russians. The city is home to the Akhuryan Sugar Plant, railway junction, and airport. Wagon and locomotive depots are flourishing , industry: food, machine-building and light.
Gyumri city attractions
Freedom Square (Vardanyan) is the main one in the city. There are monuments to the kings, which are famous for Armenia. Gyumri will also surprise with religious buildings, which are historical monuments. Surb Amenaprkich - a church built on the model of the Turkish Cathedral. Due to a strong earthquake, she was seriously affected. Therefore, restoration work has begun, which is ongoing now. Residents are very fond of the central park. Local people like to come here because of clean air, beauty. Walking here is just a pleasure. It is such places that reflect 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 seats approximately 3,000 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 the First. Also nearby is the Mother Armenia monument, which was installed after the end of World War II.
The monastery complex is a temple built of red brick, inside there are many different arches and columns. Built in the XI century. There is also a chapel of the Holy Archangel Michael. It is located in the cemetery, where soldiers who participated in the Russian-Turkish war of the XIX century are buried. Another amazing place is the Aparan reservoir. This is a reservoir with an area of almost 8 square kilometers. In 1962-1967, it was built on the Kassah River.
102nd Russian military base : foundation
The military base in Gyumri was founded in 1995 in connection with the signing of an agreement between Armenia and the Russian Federation. The 127th motorized rifle division became the location of the facility in the Transcaucasian District. The equipment was colossal. On its territory were various military helicopters, including the legendary Mi-8 and Mi-24, as well as several fighter aircraft, the MiG-29. Protection from the air 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 town was built in the neighborhood. Its number is 4 thousand people.
Background
With the advent of Soviet power in the cities of Armenia , it became necessary to create a motorized rifle division. So the base was formed. She had her license plate number - 164. After the division's good performance, it was decided to form the 123rd motorized rifle regiment. Due to the split of the Soviet Union, Armenia suffered enormous losses. Because of this, armed conflicts began both within the state and beyond.
The situation was also aggravated by the fact that the republic was squeezed between two at that time hostile states - Turkey and Azerbaijan. And conflicts with Greece and Russia greatly shook the country's economy. All cities of Armenia felt their consequences on themselves. But it’s worth noting that the country quickly got out of this state. She made it clear that she is a strong and worthy opponent.