Republic Square, Yerevan
{{Short description|Town square in Yerevan, Armenia}}
{{Infobox street
| name = Republic Square
{{nobold|Հանրապետության հրապարակ}}
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| image = File:Հանրապետության Հրապարակ.jpg
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| caption = The History Museum and the National Gallery (left) and the Government House (right) in Republic Square as seen at night, 2013
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| former_names = Lenin Square (1940–1990)
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| maint = Yerevan Municipality
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| location = Kentron, Yerevan, Armenia
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| metro = Republic Square
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| construction_start_date = 1926{{sfn|Tigranian|1985|p=25}}{{sfn|Avetisyan|1979|p=80}}
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| designer = Alexander Tamanian (square design); surrounding buildings: Alexander Tamanian, Gevorg Tamanian, Mark Grigorian, Eduard Sarapian, Rafayel Israyelian, Samvel Safarian, Varazdat Arevshatian
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Republic Square ({{langx|hy|Հանրապետության հրապարակ}}, Hanrapetut′yan hraparak, known locally as Hraparak {{IPA|hy|həɾɑpɑˈɾɑk||audio=Hy-հրապարակ.ogg}}, "the square"){{cite web|last=Pechakjian|first=Pauline|title=The 10 Best Hotels & Inns in Yerevan, Armenia|url=http://theculturetrip.com/europe/armenia/articles/the-10-best-hotels-inns-in-yerevan-armenia/|website=theculturetrip.com|date=28 April 2016|quote=...Republic Square, referred to by locals as the Hraparak...|access-date=1 October 2016|archive-date=12 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112160212/https://theculturetrip.com/europe/armenia/articles/the-10-best-hotels-inns-in-yerevan-armenia/|url-status=dead}}{{cite journal|title=De-Sovietized Streets|journal=Armenian International Magazine|date=September 2001|page= 17|url=https://issuu.com/armenianinternationalmagazine/docs/augsep2001|quote=The street just off Hraparak...}} is the central town square in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. It consists of two sections: an oval roundabout and a trapezoid-shaped section which contains a pool with musical fountains. The square is surrounded by five major buildings built in pink and yellow tuff in the neoclassical style with extensive use of Armenian motifs.{{cite book|last1=Louis|first1=Victor E.|last2=Louis|first2=Jennifer M.|title=Louis motorist's guide to the Soviet Union|date=1987|publisher=Pergamon Press|isbn=9780080318172|page=517|quote=The centre of Erevan is Lenin Square; it was built as an architectural whole using the Armenian national style of architecture.}}{{cite book|last1=Gregorian|first1=Vartan|author-link1=Vartan Gregorian|title=The Road to Home: My Life and Times|date=2008|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=9781439129111|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=ItHMQaSdGEIC&pg=PA178&dq=erevan+lenin+square 178]|quote=Buildings around the square were designed to reflect some features of ancient Armenian architecture.}} This architectural ensemble includes the Government House, the History Museum and the National Gallery, Armenia Marriott Hotel and two buildings that formerly housed the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Transport and Communications. The square was originally designed by Alexander Tamanian in 1924. The construction of most of the buildings was completed by the 1950s; the last building—the National Gallery—was completed in 1977.
During the Soviet period it was called Lenin Square and a statue of Vladimir Lenin stood at the square. Soviet parades and celebrations were held twice (originally thrice) a year until 1988. After Armenia's independence, Lenin's statue was removed and the square was renamed.{{cite news|last1=Schmemann|first1=Serge|author-link1=Serge Schmemann|title=In the Caucasus, Ancient Blood Feuds Threaten to Engulf 2 New Republics|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/07/08/world/in-the-caucasus-ancient-blood-feuds-threaten-to-engulf-2-new-republics.html?pagewanted=all|work=The New York Times|date=8 July 1992|quote=On the former Lenin Square, now Republic Square, the statue of Lenin is gone and his pedestal is being prepared for demolition.}} It has been described as Yerevan's "architectural highlight"Travel to the USSR (92–103): iii. 1983. The city's architectural highlight is Lenin Square, with its statue of Lenin, Government House, the Armenia Hotel, the picture gallery and other buildings. The main streets branch out from Lenin Square. and the city's "most outstanding architectural ensemble".{{cite book|last1=Gross|first1=Eugenie Harris|last2=Gross|first2=Jeffrey|title=The Soviet Union: a guide for travellers|date=1977|publisher=J. Murray|page=255|quote=Lenin Square, at the center of the city, contains the most outstanding architectural ensemble in Yerevan. The buildings surrounding the square express a single architectural concept.}} As Armenia's and the city's "most important civic space",{{sfn|Ter-Ghazaryan|2013|p=584}} Republic Square was the main site of demonstrations during the 2018 Velvet Revolution.
Architecture
Republic Square consists of two sections: an oval roundabout with a stone pattern in its center designed to look like a traditional Armenian rug, and a trapezoid-shaped section containing the musical fountain, in front of the History Museum and the National Gallery.{{sfn|Tigranian|1985|p=25}} The buildings around the square are made of pink and yellow tuff stones, fortified on a basalt-made base.
Its architecture has been well acclaimed. Leonid Volynsky opined in 1963 that any capital could be proud of such a square, with its "integrity and magnitude, its cheerful resonance, its uniqueness."{{cite journal |last1=Volynsky |first1=Leonid |author1-link=:ru:Волынский, Леонид Наумович |title=Краски Закавказья. Две Недели в Армении [Colors of the Transcaucasia: Two Weeks in Armenia] |journal=Novy Mir |date=October 1963 |volume=39 |issue=10 |page=123 |url=https://imwerden.de/pdf/novy_mir_1963_10__ocr.pdf |publisher=Union of Soviet Writers |location=Moscow |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205082030/https://imwerden.de/pdf/novy_mir_1963_10__ocr.pdf |archive-date=2023-12-05 |language=ru |quote=Такой площадью, ее цельностью и размахом, ее жизнерадостным звучанием, ее самобытностью могла бы гордиться любая столица.}} Travel writer Deirdre Holding suggested in 2014 that it is "certainly one of the finest central squares created anywhere in the world during the 20th century."{{cite book|last=Holding|first=Deirdre|title=Armenia: with Nagorno Karabagh|date=2014|publisher=Bradt Travel Guides|isbn=9781841625553|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Gbz-AwAAQBAJ&pg=PA128 128]}}
History
File:Erivan Main Square 1916.jpg
In 2003, when the square underwent renovation, extensive excavations took place and an archaeological layer of the 18th-19th centuries was unearthed,{{cite web|title=Yerevan Walking Tour: Republic Square Excavations|url=http://www.armenianheritage.org/en/monument/Republicsquareexcavations/1087|website=armenianheritage.org|publisher=Armenian Monuments Awareness Project |url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627080457/http://www.armenianheritage.org/en/monument/Republicsquareexcavations/1087 |archive-date=27 June 2021}} consisting of cellars and basements.{{cite web |last1=Babayan |first1=Frina |title=Ստորգետնյան շինություններ Երևանի "Հանրապետության հրապարակում" [Underground buildings in the Republic Square of Yerevan] |url=https://iae.am/hy/node/895#/0 |website=iae.am |date=18 February 2019 |publisher=Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, National Academy of Sciences of Armenia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128191358/https://iae.am/en/node/895#/0 |archive-date=28 January 2022 |language=hy |quote=...տեղում իրականացված աշխատանքներով պարզեց, որ դրանք անցյալ դարերին պատկանող բնակելի շենքերի նկուղային հարկաբաժիններ են (մառաններ)...}} Tuff water pipes, dated to the 9th-11th centuries, were also excavated at the square.{{cite web |title=Ջրատար խողովակ [Water pipe] |url=http://treasury.am/hy/%D5%BB%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%A1%D6%80-%D5%AD%D5%B8%D5%B2%D5%B8%D5%BE%D5%A1%D5%AF-43?query=%D5%AC%D5%A5%D5%B6%D5%AB%D5%B6%D5%AB+%D5%B0%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%BA%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%AF |website=treasury.am |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128175855/http://treasury.am/hy/%D5%BB%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%A1%D6%80-%D5%AD%D5%B8%D5%B2%D5%B8%D5%BE%D5%A1%D5%AF-43?query=%D5%AC%D5%A5%D5%B6%D5%AB%D5%B6%D5%AB+%D5%B0%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%BA%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%AF |archive-date=28 January 2022 |language=hy |quote=Հայտնաբերման վայրը՝ Երևան, նախկինում Լենինի, այժմ Հանրապետության հրապարակի տարածքից Ստեղծման/Արտադրման ժամանակը՝ 9-11-րդ դդ. Նյութը՝ Տուֆ |access-date=28 January 2022 |url-status=bot: unknown }}
- {{cite web |title=Ջրատար խողովակ [Water pipe] |url=http://treasury.am/hy/%D5%BB%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%A1%D6%80-%D5%AD%D5%B8%D5%B2%D5%B8%D5%BE%D5%A1%D5%AF-44?query=%D5%AC%D5%A5%D5%B6%D5%AB%D5%B6%D5%AB+%D5%B0%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%BA%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%AF |website=treasury.am |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128185716/http://treasury.am/hy/%D5%BB%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%A1%D6%80-%D5%AD%D5%B8%D5%B2%D5%B8%D5%BE%D5%A1%D5%AF-44?query=%25D5%25AC%25D5%25A5%25D5%25B6%25D5%25AB%25D5%25B6%25D5%25AB+%25D5%25B0%25D6%2580%25D5%25A1%25D5%25BA%25D5%25A1%25D6%2580%25D5%25A1%25D5%25AF |archive-date=28 January 2022 |language=hy |quote=Հայտնաբերման վայրը՝ Երևան, Լենինի անվ. հրապարակի և Շահումյան փողոցի հատման վայրից Ստեղծման/Արտադրման ժամանակը՝ 9-11-րդ դդ. Նյութը՝ Տուֆ |access-date=28 January 2022 |url-status=bot: unknown }} In January 2020, the Armenian government considered uncovering the older layers and turning it into a museum accessible to the public.{{cite news |title=Historic part of Old Yerevan beneath central plaza to be re-excavated and turned into museum |url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1000902.html |agency=Armenpress |date=9 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205224418/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1000902.html |archive-date=5 February 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Ghazanchyan |first1=Siranush |title=Old city under Yerevan's Republic Square could be restored |url=https://en.armradio.am/2020/01/09/old-city-under-yerevans-republic-square-could-be-restored/ |agency=Public Radio of Armenia |date=January 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205224544/https://en.armradio.am/2020/01/09/old-city-under-yerevans-republic-square-could-be-restored/ |archive-date=5 February 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Paitjan |first1=Ani |title=Yerevan May Uncover Old Town Under Republic Square |url=https://www.civilnet.am/news/2020/01/17/The-Old-Town-Under-Yerevan%E2%80%99s-Republic-Square-to-Be-Uncovered/374219 |work=civilnet.am |date=17 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205224527/https://www.civilnet.am/news/2020/01/17/The-Old-Town-Under-Yerevan%E2%80%99s-Republic-Square-to-Be-Uncovered/374219 |archive-date=5 February 2021}}
The pre-Soviet square was designed by Boris Mehrabyan (Megrabov) in his 1906-11 general plan of Yerevan.{{cite web|title=Հանրապետության հրապարակ [Republic Square]|url=https://www.yerevan.am/am/square/#|website=yerevan.am|publisher=Yerevan Municipality |language=hy |quote=Մինչ թամանյանական նախագիծի իրագործումը, նույն տեղում եղել է բաց հրապարակ՝ ըստ Մեհրաբովի հատակագծի։}} The current square was designed by Alexander Tamanian within his 1924 general plan of Yerevan.{{sfn|Ter-Ghazaryan|2013|p=579}} The area was gradually cleared of buildings.{{cite web |title=Երևանը լուսանկարչական արվեստում [Yerevan in Photographic Art] |url=https://yhm.am/archives/12710 |website=yhm.am |publisher=Yerevan History Museum |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507182827/https://yhm.am/archives/12710 |archive-date=7 May 2021 |language=hy |date=22 April 2020 |quote=Լենինի հրապարակում եղած հին տների ընդհանուր տեսքը}} ([https://ghostarchive.org/archive/sdmSA alternative archived]){{cite web |title=Երևանի Հանրապետության հրապարակի տարածքը մինչև վերակառուցումը [The area of the Republic Square of Yerevan before the reconstruction] |url=http://212.73.76.22/hy/%D5%A5%D6%80%D6%87%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%AB-%D5%B0%D5%A1%D5%B6%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%BA%D5%A5%D5%BF%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%A9%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6-%D5%B0%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%BA%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%AB-%D5%BF%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%AE%D6%84%D5%A8-%D5%B4%D5%AB%D5%B6%D5%B9%D6%87-%D5%BE%D5%A5%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%BC%D5%B8%D6%82%D6%81%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B4%D5%A8-2?query=%D5%A5%D6%80%D6%87%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%AB+%D5%B0%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%BA%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%AF |publisher=treasury.am |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/acmnB |archive-date=19 February 2022 |language=hy |quote=Ստեղծման/Արտադրման ժամանակը՝ 1910-ական թթ. / Date of creation / production: 1910s.}}{{cite web |title=Հրապարակը 1947 թվականին [The square in 1947] |url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/BMHiX |publisher=Hovik Charkhchyan |language=hy |date=5 October 2013 |quote=Առաջին հայացքից նույնիսկ անհավանական է թվում, բայց այսօրվա Հանրապետության հրապարակը 1947 թ. այս տեսքն ուներ: / At first glance, it even seems unbelievable, but today's Republic Square is 1947. it looked like this.}}{{cite web |publisher=Hovik Charkhchyan |title=Մաքրվող հրապարակը [The square being cleared] |url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/icT3b |language=hy |date=6 October 2013 |quote=Մեր քաղաքի պատմությունից. Հրապարակն ազատում են ավելորդ շինություններից (1950 թ.): / From the history of our city. The square is freed from unnecessary buildings (1950).}} The construction of the square started in 1926, when the construction of the Government House began.{{sfn|Avetisyan|1979|p=80}}{{sfn|Tigranian|1985|p=25}} It was developed until the 1950s when the rest of the five buildings were constructed and finally completed in 1977, when the National Gallery was built. The square was named Lenin Square ({{langx|hy|Լենինի հրապարակ}}, Lenini hraparak; {{langx|ru|площадь Ленина}}, ploshchad’ Lenina) for Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, whose statue was erected in the square in 1940 and dismantled in 1991.
On 25 August 1990, the flag of Soviet Armenia was lowered and that of independent Armenia was raised on the Government House in the square.{{sfn|Minasyan|2020|p=26}} On 1 November 1990, the Yerevan City Council voted to rename Lenin Square to Republic Square.{{cite book |last1=Minasyan |first1=Edik |author1-link=:hy:Էդիկ Մինասյան |title=Մայրաքաղաք Երևանը ՀՀ անկախության տարիներին (1991-2018թթ.) [Capital Yerevan in the Years of Independence of Armenia (1991-2018)] |date=2020 |publisher=Yerevan State University Press |location=Yerevan |isbn=978-5-8084-2464-7 |url=http://publishing.ysu.am/files/Minasyan_Edik-1604663238-.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813072542/http://publishing.ysu.am/files/Minasyan_Edik-1604663238-.pdf |archive-date=13 August 2022 |language=hy|page=32}}
In 2013, the municipal authorities proposed a controversial renovation of the square, which architects criticized.{{cite news |last1=Stepanyan |first1=Ruzanna |title=Գլխավոր հրապարակը վերակառուցում են, որպեսզի այն "ծառայի ժողովրդին" [The main square is being reconstructed to "serve the people"] |url=https://www.azatutyun.am/a/25003157.html |work=azatutyun.am |agency=RFE/RL |date=May 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809110406/https://www.azatutyun.am/a/25003157.html |archive-date=9 August 2021 |language=hy}}{{cite news |last1=Sahakyan |first1=Nane |title=Ճարտարապետները հրապարակը վերակառուցելու կարիք չեն տեսնում [The architects do not see the need to renovate the square] |url=https://www.azatutyun.am/a/25146159.html |work=azatutyun.am |agency=RFE/RL |date=October 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210073307/http://www.azatutyun.am/a/25146159.html |archive-date=10 February 2017 |language=hy}}
Surrounding buildings
Lenin's statue
File:Yerevan Lenin Square 1978 Soviet stamp.png
File:Lenin Statue Removal in Yerevan 03.jpg
A {{convert|7|m|adj=on}} copper statue of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, erected by Sergey Merkurov and standing atop an {{convert|12|m|adj=on}} high granite pedestal, was inaugurated in the square on November 24, 1940.{{cite journal |last1=Sargsian |first1=M. S. |title=Հուշարձանային քանդակագործությունը Սովետական Հայաստանում [Memorial Sculptures in Soviet Armenia] |journal=Patma-Banasirakan Handes |date=1967 |volume=2-3 |pages=95–108 |url=https://arar.sci.am/dlibra/publication/188497/edition/171152/content |language=hy |quote=Կոփածո պատենացված պղնձից պատրաստված 7 և կես մետրանոց Լենինի արձանը, որը դրված է պլատֆորմի առանցքին կանգնեցված գրանիտե բարձր պատվանդանի վրա (ամբողջ բարձրությունը 19,5 մետր է)։}} ([https://web.archive.org/web/20240920194527/https://arar.sci.am/Content/171152/file_0.pdf archived]){{cite web|title=Խոսող կոթողներ. Լենինի արձան|url=http://www.1tv.am/hy/news/2015/07/10/%D4%B1%D6%80%D5%B1%D5%A1%D5%B6/19710|website=1tv.am|publisher=Public Television of Armenia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808084317/http://www.1tv.am/hy/news/2015/07/10/%D4%B1%D6%80%D5%B1%D5%A1%D5%B6/19710|archive-date=8 August 2016|language=hy|date=10 July 2015}} It faced the site of the planned National Gallery and "soon gained considerable acclaim as a great piece of monumental art."{{sfn|Ter-Ghazaryan|2013|p=583}}
On March 28, 1991, the Yerevan City Council voted to remove Lenin's statue. Mayor Hambardzum Galstyan abstained and argued in favor of a more nuanced and tolerant stance. It was removed on April 13, 1991. The statue was "placed on a truck and, like the body of a deceased person, driven round and round the central square as if in an open coffin" while people cheered.{{cite book|last=Verdery|first=Katherine|title=What Was Socialism, and What Comes Next?|date=1996|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=9781400821990|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=4wn3nucc3cIC&pg=PA232&dq=in+erevan+armenia+lenin%27s+statue 232]}} Some people threw pebbles and coins at the statue.{{sfn|Abrahamian|2006|p=286}} It was placed in the backyard of the Museums Building,{{sfn|Abrahamian|2006|p=287}} where it remains as of 2023.{{cite web |title=Առաջին ռեպորտաժ. Արձաններից մինչև խաչեր |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oh8q6BUfSc&ab_channel=ArmenianPublicTV |publisher=Armenian Public TV |language=hy |date=28 May 2023 }} ([https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/8oh8q6BUfSc archived]) seen starting 10:45 ([https://archive.today/lPkA9/189d29033331de5e85829a8aab08b5e7e040bfaa.jpg see still]). The Armenian-American singer Cher was famously photographed with the headless statue of Lenin when she visited Armenia in April 1993.{{cite web |title=Օրացույց. 24-ը Ապրիլի. Շերը բարձրացել էր Լենինի արձանի վրա, Ջհանգիրյանը հրաժարական էր ներկայացրել (տեսանյութ) [Calendar: April 24. Cher climbed on the statue of Lenin, Jhangiryan submitted his resignation (video)] |url=https://a1plus.am/hy/article/338683 |publisher=A1plus |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305130820/https://a1plus.am/hy/article/338683 |archive-date=5 March 2022 |language=hy |date=24 April 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Ghazanchyan |first1=Siranush |title=Cher shares photos from 1993 trip to Armenia |url=https://en.armradio.am/2019/12/13/cher-shares-photos-from-1993-trip-to-armenia/ |work=armradio.am |agency=Public Radio of Armenia |date=December 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101073047/https://en.armradio.am/2019/12/13/cher-shares-photos-from-1993-trip-to-armenia/ |archive-date=1 November 2020}}
In 1996 president Levon Ter-Petrosyan ordered the dismantling of the pedestal, causing significant controversy and a wave of protests from a wide range of groups and individuals who emphasized its fine aesthetics.{{sfn|Abrahamian|2006|pp=294-295}} Levon Abrahamian notes that the pedestal was a "good piece of architecture" and despite its Soviet symbolism, it was perceived by many as a work of "national art." According to Abrahamian, "The fight for preserving the pedestal proved to be much more ferocious than the discourse on removing Lenin from the square. Journalists, architects, artists, poets, well-known figures of culture wrote articles in newspapers in defense of the pedestal."{{sfn|Abrahamian|2006|p=295}} The poet Silva Kaputikyan called its dismantling an "act of vandalism."{{sfn|Abrahamian|2006|p=295}} On July 31, 1996, some 50 members of the Armenian Communist Party temporarily stopped the dismantling when they broke through the barrier around the pedestal.{{sfn|Abrahamian|2006|p=296}} During the presidential election campaign in September 1996, a stage was built at the place of the pedestal, where Ter-Petrosyan gave a speech.{{sfn|Abrahamian|2006|p=297}}
= Replacements =
On December 31, 2000, a {{convert|24|m|adj=on}} cross lit by light-bulbs was erected in the space left empty by Lenin's pedestal. This installation was completed on the eve of 2001, which was when the Armenian state and the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated the 1700th anniversary of being a Christian nation. The cross was lit by 1700 symbolic lamps, and continued to be at the center of celebrations that took place throughout the year of commemoration. However, at the end of 2001, the period of celebration ended and the cross was quietly dismantled. Since it was a temporary fixture, there was little discussion preceding its erection, as well as after its dismantling.{{sfn|Ter-Ghazaryan|2013|p=584}} The placement of a cross on that spot was interpreted "as the final victory of the Christian faith over the antichrist Lenin."{{sfn|Abrahamian|2006|p=297}}
In February 2004 a billboard-sized television screen appeared in the empty space playing advertisements.{{cite news|last=Tuayeva|first=Salima|title=From Vladimir to Video: Action movies replace a stoic dictator in Republic Square|url=http://archives.armenianow.com/2004/february06/features/square/|work=ArmeniaNow|date=6 February 2004|access-date=1 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407203349/http://archives.armenianow.com/2004/february06/features/square/|archive-date=7 April 2019|url-status=bot: unknown}}() It was removed in 2006.{{sfn|Ter-Ghazaryan|2013|p=584}}
In June 2019 the Yerevan municipality put up several karases (large clay wine amphorae) at the center of the lawn that has been grown in place of the statue.{{cite news |last1=Babayan |first1=Nelli |title=Իլյիչի տեղում՝ կարաս |url=https://www.aravot.am/2019/06/15/1050167/ |work=Aravot |date=15 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616142105/https://www.aravot.am/2019/06/15/1050167/ |archive-date=16 June 2019 |language=hy}}
;Proposals
Ter-Ghazaryan writes that "After the monument to Lenin was toppled, the balance of Republic Square was thrown off, and the empty space left where Lenin used to stand has been subject to various design proposals, but none has succeeded."{{sfn|Ter-Ghazaryan|2013|p=583}} Several competitions have been held to find a replacement. In the early 1990s, when the pedestal was still standing, several candidates were put forth to be placed on it, including Noah, king Argishti I, General Andranik and Armenia's first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan.{{sfn|Abrahamian|2006|p=294}} One of the most common proposals is to move the statue of Sasuntsi Davit (David of Sasun) to the square. According to Ter-Ghazaryan the largely apolitical nature of this Armenian national hero of an epic novel would be a safe choice; however, she wrote in 2013 that the relocation of the monument from its current spot in front of Yerevan Railway Station "seems unlikely."{{sfn|Ter-Ghazaryan|2013|p=585}} In 2019 human rights activist Avetik Ishkhanyan argued that Aram Manukian's statue should have been erected on Lenin's pedestal.{{cite news |last1=Ishkhanyan |first1=Avetik |title=Երկու արձան [Two statues] |url=https://hetq.am/hy/article/105175 |work=Hetq |date=1 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701145312/https://hetq.am/hy/article/105175 |archive-date=1 July 2019 |language=hy|quote=Եվ ճիշտ կլիներ Արամ Մանուկյանի արձանը կանգնեցնել Հանրապետության հրապարակում՝ Լենինի արձանի տեղում, պահպանելով պատվանդանը։}}
Other landmarks
=Fountains=
After years of non-operation, the musical fountains were renovated by the French company Aquatique Show International and cost around €1.4 million.{{cite news|title=Հրապարակում ջրային հրավառություն է լինելու|url=http://www.aravot.am/2007/06/25/327733/|work=Aravot|date=25 June 2007|language=hy}} They were opened in September 2007.{{cite news|title=Երևանի Հանրապետության հրապարակի շատրվանները կգործարկվեն մինչև նոյեմբերի 1֊ը|url=https://armenpress.am/arm/news/446787|agency=Armenpress|date=27 September 2007|language=hy}}
=Christmas tree=
A Christmas tree has been installed at the square every December since at least 1950.{{cite news|title=Ամանորը եւ տոնածառը Երեւանում' կենդանի պատմություն|url=http://www.mediamax.am/am/news/yerevan-XX-century/6544/|work=mediamax.am|agency=Mediamax|date=26 December 2012|language=hy}} In 2020, a month after the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war ended, the Yerevan City Hall announced that no Christmas tree and other decorations will be installed at the square to honor the memory of the fallen soldiers.{{cite news |title=First time in decades, Armenia won't install national New Year Tree as nation mourns fallen heroes |url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1036557.html |agency=Armenpress |date=2 December 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210304150225/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1036557.html |archive-date=4 March 2021 |access-date=4 March 2021 |url-status=live }}
=Drinking fountain=
File:Yerevan Republic Square pulpulak.jpg
The drinking fountain (also known as pulpulak), located next to the museums' buildings, consists of seven fountains and is thus called Yot aghbyur ("Seven springs"). It was originally installed in 1965 and renovated in 2010.
Notable events
=Parades=
During the Soviet era, military and non-military parades were held in the square on May 1 (the International Workers' Day), May 9 (Victory Day, until 1969) and November 7 (October Revolution Day).{{sfn|Ter-Ghazaryan|2013|p=582}} The leadership of Soviet Armenia stood at the podium, below Lenin's statue.{{sfn|Ter-Ghazaryan|2013|p=582}} During Jubilee parades celebrating the anniversaries of the foundation of Soviet Armenia (1961, 1970, 1980),{{Cite web| title=Armenian History | url=http://history.armenpress.am/files/img4694_904629136.jpg | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805222512/https://history.armenpress.am/files/img4694_904629136.jpg | archive-date=2022-08-05}} a wooden extension was added to the podium, in order to accommodate all the guests from the national government.[https://mediamax.am/ru/news/yerevan-XX-century/6339/ Памятник Ленину — (не)живая история] // «Ереван. XX век». 27 ноября 2012 The last of these parades were held in 1988.
Military parades celebrating the independence of Armenia have been held on September 21 of 1996 (5th anniversary),{{cite news|title=Զորահանդես. 7 տարվա ընթացքում ոչ մի նոր տեխնիկա|url=http://www.a1plus.am/15174.html|agency=A1plus|date=21 September 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809083857/http://www.a1plus.am/15174.html|archive-date=9 August 2016|language=hy|quote=...1996 եւ 1999 թվականների զորահանդեսների...}} 1999 (8th anniversary),{{cite news|title=Armenia Marks Independence Anniversary With Military Parade|url=http://asbarez.com/41176/armenia-marks-independence-anniversary-with-military-parade/|work=Asbarez|date=21 September 1999}} 2006 (15th anniversary),{{cite news|title=Հանրապետության հրապարակում անցկացվեց զորահանդես' նվիրված ՀՀ անկախության 15րդ տարեդարձին|url=https://armenpress.am/arm/news/432301/hanrapetutyan-hraparakum-anckacvec-zorahandes-nvirvats.html|agency=Armenpress|date=21 September 2006|archive-date=9 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809083705/https://armenpress.am/arm/news/432301/hanrapetutyan-hraparakum-anckacvec-zorahandes-nvirvats.html|language=hy}}{{cite news|title=Military parade is over in Yerevan: Armenian tricolor in the sky and 15 artillery salvos (photo report)|url=http://www.regnum.ru/english/708702.html|agency=REGNUM News Agency|date=21 September 2006|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525023017/http://www.regnum.ru/english/708702.html|archive-date=25 May 2009}} 2011 (20th anniversary),{{cite news|last1=Danielyan|first1=Emil|title=Armenia Parades Military Might On Independence Day|url=http://www.azatutyun.am/a/24335604.html|work=azatutyun.am|agency=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Armenian Service|date=21 September 2011}} 2016 (25th anniversary).{{cite news|title=Military Parade Highlights Independence Day Celebrations in Armenia|url=http://asbarez.com/155085/armenia-marks-25th-anniversary-of-independence-with-military-parade/|work=Asbarez|date=21 September 2016}} Smaller military parades were also held at the square during the First Karabakh War, on May 28 of 1992 and 1993.{{cite web |last1=Tosunyan |first1=Gevorg |title=Անկախ Հայաստանի զորահանդեսները [Parades of Independent Armenia] |url=https://www.civilnet.am/news/676011/ |website=CivilNet |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009063427/https://www.civilnet.am/news/676011/ |archive-date=9 October 2022 |language=hy |date=21 September 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Lazaryan |first1=Tatevik |title=Ինչպե՞ս է տոնվել սեպտեմբերի 21-ը տարբեր տարիների [How was September 21 celebrated in different years?] |url=https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32045013.html |work=Azatutyun |agency=RFE/RL |date=September 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001130037/https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32045013.html |archive-date=1 October 2022 |language=hy}}{{cite web |last1=Manukyan |first1=Vazgen |author1-link=Vazgen Manukyan |title=1992 – 1993 ՀՀ պաշտպանության նախարար, ՀՀ ռազմարդյունաբերական համալիրի ղեկավար [1992 - 1993 Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, Head of the Military Industrial Complex of the Republic of Armenia] |url=https://vazgenmanukyan.am/1992-1993-%D5%B0%D5%B0-%D5%BA%D5%A1%D5%B7%D5%BF%D5%BA%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%A9%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6-%D5%B6%D5%A1%D5%AD%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A1%D6%80-%D5%B0%D5%B0-%D5%BC%D5%A1%D5%A6%D5%B4%D5%A1%D6%80/ |website=vazgenmanukyan.am |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723141752/https://vazgenmanukyan.am/1992-1993-%d5%b0%d5%b0-%d5%ba%d5%a1%d5%b7%d5%bf%d5%ba%d5%a1%d5%b6%d5%b8%d6%82%d5%a9%d5%b5%d5%a1%d5%b6-%d5%b6%d5%a1%d5%ad%d5%a1%d6%80%d5%a1%d6%80-%d5%b0%d5%b0-%d5%bc%d5%a1%d5%a6%d5%b4%d5%a1%d6%80/ |archive-date=23 July 2022 |language=hy |date=21 November 2021}}
=Concerts=
File:Yerevan Republic Square 2019-12-21 (03).jpg
On September 30, 2006 French-Armenian singer Charles Aznavour performed at the square.{{cite web|title=Charles Aznavour's concert in Armenia|url=http://repatarmenia.org/eng/may-12-charles-aznavours-concert-in-armenia/|website=repatarmenia.org|publisher=Repat Armenia Foundation|access-date=2016-10-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002103500/http://repatarmenia.org/eng/may-12-charles-aznavours-concert-in-armenia|archive-date=2016-10-02|url-status=dead}}
On April 23, 2015, the Armenian-American rock band System of a Down gave their first-ever concert in Armenia in Republic Square. The free concert was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and was attended by thousands.{{cite news|last1=Westcott|first1=Lucy|title=System of a Down's Pilgrimage to Commemorate the Armenian Genocide|url=http://europe.newsweek.com/system-down-pilgrimage-commemorate-armenian-genocide-324211?rm=eu|work=Newsweek|date=23 April 2015}}{{cite news|title=Watch System of a Down's First Ever Armenian Show|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/system-of-a-down-armenia-live-stream-20150423|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=23 April 2015}}{{cite news|title=Tankian's Message: SOAD vocalist speaks to crowd on Genocide during concert in Yerevan|url=https://www.armenianow.com/genocide/62784/armenia_genocide_concert_serj_tankian_system_of_a_down|work=ArmeniaNow|date=24 April 2015|access-date=1 October 2016|archive-date=16 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616103804/https://www.armenianow.com/genocide/62784/armenia_genocide_concert_serj_tankian_system_of_a_down|url-status=dead}}
On June 8, 2017, Russian hip-hop artist Timati gave a free concert in the square, which was attended by more than 40,000 people.{{cite news|title=Տիմատիի բացօթյա համերգին Երևանում ավելի քան 40.000 հանդիսատես էր հավաքվել|url=http://panarmenian.net/m/arm/news/241497|agency=PanARMENIAN.Net|date=9 June 2017|language=hy|access-date=12 June 2017|archive-date=22 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022133050/http://panarmenian.net/m/arm/news/241497|url-status=bot: unknown}}()
On October 6, 2019, the Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren performed at the square as an opening act of the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT).{{cite web |title=WCIT 2019 grand opening in Yerevan: Armin van Buuren on stage! |url=https://style.news.am/eng/news/63985/wcit-2019-grand-opening-in-yerevan-armin-van-buuren-on-stage!.html |website=style.news.am |date=6 October 2019}}
On September 30 and 31, 2021 following Hayko's death, his songs were played on loudspeakers at the square.{{cite news |title=Հանրապետության հրապարակում կհնչեն ՀՀ վաստակավոր արտիստ Հայկ Հակոբյանի երգերը |url=https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1064395.html |agency=Armenpress |date=30 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211014140647/https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1064395.html |archive-date=14 October 2021 |language=hy}}
=Political demonstrations=
==Soviet period==
On April 24, 1965, large demonstrations took place in the square and elsewhere in Yerevan to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Armenian genocide.{{cite book|last1=Malkasian|first1=Mark|title=Gha-ra-bagh!: The Emergence of the National Democratic Movement in Armenia|date=1996|publisher=Wayne State University Press|isbn=9780814326046|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=aRJJ9qs6PeQC&pg=PA76&lpg=PA76&dq=They+were+also+among+the+university+students+who+skipped+classes 76]|quote=They were also among the university students who skipped classes on 24 April 1965, marching instead toward Yerevan's Lenin Square...}}{{cite book|last1=Petrone|first1=Karen|title=The Great War in Russian Memory|date=2011|publisher=Indiana University Press|isbn=9780253001443|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=5yKphQtTe0kC&pg=PA288&dq=erevan+lenin+square 288]}}{{cite book|last1=Lieberman|first1=Benjamin|title=The Holocaust and Genocides in Europe|date=2013|publisher=A&C Black|isbn=9781441194787|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=ySFMAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA213&dq=erevan+lenin+square 213]|quote=On the fiftieth anniversary of the Armenian Genocide thousands gathered in Lenin Square in the Yerevan...}}
On the evening of January 20, 1974, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of Lenin's death, two dissidents and members of the underground National United Party, {{ill|Razmik Zohrabyan|hy|Ռազմիկ Զոհրաբյան}} and Smbat Avagyan, burned the large portrait of Lenin hanging from the arch of the History Museum in protest of Soviet rule. Zohrabyan was arrested and sentenced to seven years of imprisonment and three years of exile. Avagyan managed to escape, and another dissident, {{ill|Azat Arshakyan|hy|Ազատ Արշակյան|ru|Аршакян, Азат Левонович}}, instead confessed to being Zohrabyan's accomplice to protect Avagyan.{{cite book|last=Payaslian|first=Simon|author-link=Simon Payaslian|title=The Political Economy of Human Rights in Armenia: Authoritarianism and Democracy in a Former Soviet Republic|date=2011|publisher=I.B. Tauris|isbn=9780857731692|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=nqv3AgAAQBAJ&pg=PA87&dq=razmik+zohrapyan+january+1974+lenin+republic+square 87]}}{{cite news |last1=Harutyunyan |first1=Vardan |author1-link=:hy:Վարդան Հարությունյան |title=Ազգային միացյալ կուսակցություն - 1974թ․ Ազատ Արշակյան, Ռազմիկ Զոհրաբյան, Ռազմիկ Մարկոսյան [National United Party - 1974 Azat Arshakyan, Razmik Zohrabyan, Razmik Markosyan] |url=https://hetq.am/hy/article/99779 |work=Hetq |date=8 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927155653/https://hetq.am/hy/article/99779 |archive-date=27 September 2022 |language=hy}}{{cite news |last1=Harutyunyan |first1=Vardan |author1-link=:hy:Վարդան Հարությունյան |title=Ազգային միացյալ կուսակցություն - 1974թ․ Ազատ Արշակյան, Ռազմիկ Զոհրաբյան, Ռազմիկ Մարկոսյան [National United Party - 1974 Azat Arshakyan, Razmik Zohrabyan, Razmik Markosyan] |url=https://hetq.am/hy/article/99999 |work=Hetq |date=8 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921142428/https://hetq.am/hy/article/99999 |archive-date=21 September 2022 |language=hy}}
==Independent Armenia==
Following the 2008 presidential election president-elect Serzh Sargsyan held a rally of around 60,000 to 70,000 "would-be supporters" who were brought from different parts of Yerevan and Armenia in buses. Many of them headed towards Freedom Square where a competing rally was being held by official runner-up Levon Ter-Petrosyan.{{cite web |title=Hundreds of would-be Serzh Sargsian supporters were headed in the opposite election, up the rally of ex-President Levon Ter-Petrossian |url=https://www.aniarc.am/2016/01/22/hundreds-of-would-be-serzh-sargsian-supporters-were-headed-in-the-opposite-election-up-the-rally-of-ex-president-levon-ter-petrossian-wikileaks-2008/ |website=aniarc.am |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124181311/https://www.aniarc.am/2016/01/22/hundreds-of-would-be-serzh-sargsian-supporters-were-headed-in-the-opposite-election-up-the-rally-of-ex-president-levon-ter-petrossian-wikileaks-2008/ |archive-date=January 24, 2016 |date=January 22, 2016}} In March, following the violent crackdown of opposition demonstrations, the square was occupied for some time by the Armed Forces of Armenia.{{cite news|last1=Tavernise|first1=Sabrina|author-link1=Sabrina Tavernise|title=Emergency Order Empties Armenian Capital's Streets|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/03/world/europe/03armenia.html?_r=0|work=The New York Times|date=3 March 2008|quote=By Sunday night, military units moved in, taking up position at places like the government buildings at Republic Square.}}
On May 4, 2012, at a Republican Party rally and concert at Republic Square during the parliamentary election campaign, dozens of balloons filled with hydrogen exploded, resulting in the injury of at least 144 people.{{cite news|title=Vote 2012: Accident at RPA rally causes 144 injuries|url=https://www.armenianow.com/vote_2012/37822/explosion_election_campaign_republic_square|work=ArmeniaNow|date=4 May 2012|access-date=1 October 2016|archive-date=16 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116131943/https://www.armenianow.com/vote_2012/37822/explosion_election_campaign_republic_square|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last1=Stepanian|first1=Ruzanna|last2=Shoghikian|first2=Hovannes|title=Scores Injured As Balloon Blasts Spark Chaos At Armenian Election Rally|url=http://www.azatutyun.am/a/24570350.html|work=azatutyun.am|agency=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Armenian Service|date=4 May 2012}}
From April 17 to 23, 2018 large demonstrations took place at Republic Square led by Nikol Pashinyan against the rule of Serzh Sargsyan. On April 22, when opposition leader Pashinyan was arrested, police forces were deployed in the square. Dozens of protesters were detained from the square.{{cite news|title=Armenian Protesters Detained At Yerevan's Central Square|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-protests-republic-square/29185401.html|agency=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|date=22 April 2018}}{{cite news|title=Police forces deployed to Republic Square, protesters being detained (VIDEO)|url=https://news.am/eng/news/447688.html|work=news.am|date=22 April 2018}} By the evening, some 115,000 protesters filled the entire square and the nearby streets.{{cite news|last1=Kucera|first1=Joshua|title=Armenian opposition leader arrested, but protesters rally|url=https://eurasianet.org/s/armenian-opposition-leader-arrested-but-protesters-rally|work=Eurasianet|date=22 April 2018}} The next day, on April 23, after Sargsyan resigned, it became the center of mass celebrations.{{cite news|last1=Navasardian|first1=Boris|title=Armenia looks to the future as protesters celebrate resignation of Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/armenia-protests-resignation-prime-minister-serzh-sargsyan-nikol-pashinyan-a8319091.html|work=The Independent|date=23 April 2018}}{{cite news|title=Thousands Celebrate As Armenia's Longtime Ruler Sarkisian Steps Down|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-fresh-protests-sarkisian-yerevan-pashinian/29186416.html|agency=RFE/RL|date=23 April 2018}} On April 24, the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, dozens of protests came together to clean the square and its adjacent street.{{cite news|last1=Ghazaryan|first1=Diana|title=Yerevan's Republic Square: Protest Epicenter Gets Citizen Clean-Up|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/87957/citizens-of-armenia-are-cleaning-republic-square-and-its-surroundings-after-the-rallies.html|work=Hetq Online|date=24 April 2018}} More rallies took place at the square on May 1 and 8.{{cite news |last1=Ghazaryan |first1=Diana |title=Yerevan: Thousands of Pashinyan Supporters Pack Republic Square |url=https://hetq.am/en/article/88235 |work=Hetq |date=1 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303155905/https://hetq.am/en/article/88235 |archive-date=3 March 2021}} On May 8, when he was elected prime minister, Pashinyan delivered a speech to his supporters at the square.{{cite news |title=Nikol Pashinyan delivers first remarks at Republic Square after election as Armenia's PM |url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/932834.html |agency=Armenpress |date=8 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508161348/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/932834.html |archive-date=8 May 2018}}{{cite news |last1=MacFarquhar |first1=Neil |author1-link=Neil MacFarquhar |title=He Was a Protester a Month Ago. Now, Nikol Pashinyan Leads Armenia. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/08/world/europe/armenia-nikol-pashinyan-prime-minister.html |work=The New York Times |date=May 8, 2018}} On August 17, 2018, Pashinyan held a rally to celebrate his first 100 days in office.{{cite news |last1=Aleksanyan |first1=Narek |title=Yerevan: Pashinyan's "100 Days in Office" Rally |url=https://hetq.am/en/article/92291 |work=Hetq |date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130172244/https://hetq.am/en/article/92291 |archive-date=30 November 2020}}{{cite web |title=Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Speech at Rally Dedicated to 100 Days in Office |url=https://www.primeminister.am/en/statements-and-messages/item/2018/08/17/Nikol-Pashinyan-100-day-rally/ |website=primeminister.am |publisher=The Office to the Prime Minister of Armenia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101220555/https://www.primeminister.am/en/statements-and-messages/item/2018/08/17/Nikol-Pashinyan-100-day-rally/ |archive-date=1 January 2021 |date=17 August 2018}} Up to 150,000 attended the rally.{{cite news |title=PM's August 17 meeting in Republic Square attended by up to 150.000 people |url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/944449.html |agency=Armenpress |date=21 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304110339/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/944449.html |archive-date=4 March 2021}}
On December 22, 2020, a month after the end of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, a coalition of more than a dozen opposition parties held a rally at the square calling for Pashinyan's resignation.{{cite web |title=The statement of UIC on the number of participants in the December 22 opposition rally |url=https://uic.am/en/11127 |website=uic.am |publisher=Union of Informed Citizens |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210303154435/https://uic.am/en/11127 |archive-date=3 March 2021 |date=22 December 2020 |access-date=3 March 2021 |url-status=live }} On March 1, 2021 a few days after calls by the military to resign, Pashinyan held a rally with his 20,000 supporters at the square.{{cite news |title=UIC statement on the number of participants of the March 1 rally convened by Nikol Pashinyan |url=https://uic.am/en/12340 |work=uic.am |agency=Union of Informed Citizens |date=2 March 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210303154302/https://uic.am/en/12340 |archive-date=3 March 2021}} In the run up to the June 20, 2021 parliamentary election, both Pashinyan (Civil Contract) and his chief rival Robert Kocharyan (leader of Armenia Alliance) held rallies at the square, drawing more than 20,000 and 30,000 supporters, respectively.{{cite web |title=Statement of the Union of Informed Citizens on the number of participants in the final pre-election rally of the Civil Contract Party on June 17 |url=https://uic.am/en/13939 |publisher=Union of Informed Citizens |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220508190734/https://uic.am/en/13939 |archive-date=8 May 2022 |date=17 June 2021 |quote=about 21 100 people were in the Republic Square}}{{cite web |title=Statement of the Union of Informed Citizens on the number of participants in the final pre-election rally of "Armenia" Alliance on June 18 |date=18 June 2021 |url=https://uic.am/en/13966 |publisher=Union of Informed Citizens |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220508190815/https://uic.am/en/13966 |archive-date=8 May 2022 |quote=about 30 200 people were in the Republic Square}}
=Other events=
In 1968 the celebration of Yerevan's 2750th anniversary were staged on the square with extravagant celebrations.{{sfn|Ter-Ghazaryan|2013|p=582}}
On June 25, 2016 Pope Francis and Karekin II held an ecumenical prayer at Republic Square.{{cite web|title=Ecumenical Prayer Vigil for Peace: Address of the Holy Father|url=https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2016/june/documents/papa-francesco_20160625_armenia-incontro-ecumenico.html|website=vatican.va|publisher=Holy See|location=Yerevan, Republic Square|date=25 June 2016}}{{cite news|title=Pope Francis Holds Ecumenical Service at Yerevan's Republic Square|url=http://armenianweekly.com/2016/06/26/pope-francis-republic-square/|work=Armenian Weekly|date=26 June 2016}} It was attended by some 50,000 people.{{cite news|last1=Povoledo|first1=Elisabetta|title=Pope Francis to Armenians: Seek Peace, but Never Forget Genocide|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/26/world/europe/pope-francis-to-armenians-seek-peace-but-never-forget-genocide.html|work=The New York Times|date=25 June 2016}}
{{wide image|Republic Square Yerevan Panorama.jpg|1250px|align-cap=center|Panoramic view of the Republic Square|dir=rtl}}
References
{{reflist|3|refs=
{{cite book|title=Հանրապետության հրապարակ [Republic Square]|date=1999|publisher=Հայկական Համառոտ Հանրագիտարան (Concise Armenian Encyclopedia)|page=[https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/%D5%80%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B6_%D5%80%D5%A1%D5%B4%D5%A1%D5%BC%D5%B8%D5%BF_%D5%80%D5%A1%D5%B6%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%A3%D5%AB%D5%BF%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%B6%E2%80%A4_%D5%80_%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%BC%D5%B8%D5%BE_%D5%B0%D5%B8%D5%A4%D5%BE%D5%A1%D5%AE%D5%B6%D5%A5%D6%80%D5%A8.djvu/page264-2550px-%D5%80%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B6_%D5%80%D5%A1%D5%B4%D5%A1%D5%BC%D5%B8%D5%BF_%D5%80%D5%A1%D5%B6%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%A3%D5%AB%D5%BF%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%B6%E2%80%A4_%D5%80_%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%BC%D5%B8%D5%BE_%D5%B0%D5%B8%D5%A4%D5%BE%D5%A1%D5%AE%D5%B6%D5%A5%D6%80%D5%A8.djvu.jpg 296]|language=hy}}
{{cite journal |last1=Dolukhanyan |first1=V. |title=Երևանի Լենինի անվան հրապարակը [Lenin Square of Yerevan] |journal=Etchmiadzin |date=1970 |volume=25 |issue=4 |url=http://echmiadzin.asj-oa.am/6257/1/17.pdf |language=hy |access-date=2023-12-18 |archive-date=2021-08-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809113601/http://echmiadzin.asj-oa.am/6257/1/17.pdf |url-status=bot: unknown }}
}}
=Bibliography=
- {{cite journal|last1=Ter-Ghazaryan|first1=Diana K.|title="Civilizing the city center": symbolic spaces and narratives of the nation in Yerevan's post-Soviet landscape|journal=Nationalities Papers|date=2013|volume=41|issue=4|pages=570–589|doi=10.1080/00905992.2013.802766|s2cid=128756570}}
- {{cite book|last=Avetisyan|first=Kamsar|author-link=:hy:Կամսար Ավետիսյան|title=Հայրենագիտական էտյուդներ [Notes on Armenian studies]|date=1979|publisher=Sovetakan grogh|location=Yerevan|pages=72–81|chapter-url=http://armenianhouse.org/avetisyan/soviet-yerevan.html|language=hy|chapter=Երևանի ընդհանուր նկարագիրը (General description of Yerevan)}}
- {{cite journal|last=Tigranian|first=Edmond|title=Երևանի Վ. Ի. Լենինի անվան հրապարակի քաղաքաշինական ասպեկտները [The town-building aspects of V. I. Lenin square in Yerevan]|journal=Lraber Hasarakakan Gitutyunneri|volume=9|date=1985|issue=9|pages=24–29|url=http://lraber.asj-oa.am/5456/|language=hy|access-date=2024-11-21|archive-date=2018-06-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616130457/http://lraber.asj-oa.am/5456/|url-status=bot: unknown}}
- {{cite book |last1=Abrahamian |first1=Levon |authorlink1=Levon Abrahamian |title=Armenian Identity in a Changing World |date=2006 |publisher=Mazda Publishers |isbn=1-56859-185-3}}
External links
- [https://360.aua.am/explore-armenia/republic-square/ 360 degree view of the Republic Square]
- [http://www.myyerevan.am/cameras/republic-square-online.html Republic Square WebCam]
{{Yerevan landmarks}}
{{Portal bar|Architecture|Roads}}
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Category:Buildings and structures in Yerevan
Category:Articles containing video clips
Category:1977 establishments in Armenia