HISTORICAL BUILDINGS
TOMBSTONE AND BUST OF SHUSHANIK KURGHINIAN
1927, 1952
State index: 1.11.6
Architect: Jim Torosyan
Sculptor: Sargis Baghdasaryan
2023, restoration sculptor: Ashot Baghdasaryan
The monument and grave of Shushanik Kurghinyan (Popolchyan, 1876–1927), a renowned Armenian poetess, founder of Armenian proletarian poetry, socio-revolutionary figure, supporter of Alexander Myasnikyan, and advocate for women's rights in Armenia, are located at 28/5 Arshakunyats Avenue. They are situated to the left of the main entrance to Komitas Park, outside the pantheon, in the area of the former Mler public cemetery. When Mler’s cemetery was closed by a decision of the Executive Committee of the Yerevan City Council in 1930, and the site was repurposed for a park and later a pantheon for Armenian cultural figures, Kurghinyan’s grave was left in its original location.
The monument, designed by architect Jim Torosyan and sculptor Sargis Baghdasaryan, stands as a symbol of public recognition and memory of the poetess. It features a unified composition with a bronze bust mounted on a double-stepped basalt base and a high-polished granite pedestal. The upper step of the pedestal is significantly larger than the lower step, and there is a two-line inscription on the front: SHUSHANIK / KURGHINYAN. The bronze bust has a portrait likeness to Kurghinyan, rendered in an attractive freestyle.
In March 2021, the original bronze bust was stolen. In response, the Armenian government decided to recreate and reinstall the bust, which was completed in August 2023. The new bust was sculpted by Ashot Baghdasaryan, the son of Sargis Baghdasaryan. The monument is designed to be prominently visible upon entering the park.
“Scientific Research Centre of Historical and Cultural Heritage” SNCO
Yerevan Municipality
28/5 Arshakunyats Ave.
