Mother Armenia Statue: A Symbol of Strength and Resilience

The Mother Armenia statue is an iconic monument located in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Overlooking the city from Victory Park, this imposing sculpture symbolizes the strength, resilience, and protective spirit of the Armenian people.

Origins and Historical Context

The current statue was erected in 1967, but its pedestal dates back to an earlier period. Before Mother Armenia, this pedestal housed a statue of Joseph Stalin, which was inaugurated on November 29, 1950, as part of the Soviet leader’s personality cult.

During Stalin’s rule in the Soviet Union, Grigor Harutyunyan, the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Armenia, along with the government, commissioned the construction of a massive monument in honor of the dictator. The statue was sculpted by Sergey Merkurov, while the pedestal was designed by architect Rafael Israelyan. Believing that statues were only temporary honors, Israelyan designed the pedestal to be as significant as the statue itself. The interior of the pedestal was built in the style of a church, inspired by the Saint Hripsime Church in Etchmiadzin.

However, following Stalin’s death in 1953 and Nikita Khrushchev’s de-Stalinization policies, many of Stalin’s statues were dismantled across the Soviet Union. In Armenia, the Stalin statue was removed in 1962 and was replaced in 1967 by the current statue, created by sculptor Ara Harutyunyan.

The New Statue: A Warrior-Like Woman

To replace Stalin’s statue, a new monument was commissioned and installed in 1967. Designed by sculptor Ara Harutyunyan, Mother Armenia depicts a strong, imposing woman holding a sword, with a posture that conveys both protection and determination. This copper statue, standing 22 meters tall, rests on a 36-meter pedestal, giving the entire monument an impressive total height of 51 meters.

The model for Mother Armenia was none other than Evgenia Muradyan, a 17-year-old Armenian girl and a friend of sculptor Ara Harutyunyan. She posed for him, inspiring both the facial features and the imposing silhouette of the sculpture.

According to urban legend, the workers who dismantled the Stalin statue were unable—or did not have enough time—to remove his boots. It is said that Stalin’s shoes remain under Mother Armenia’s dress and shield, hidden from sight.

Meaning and Symbolism

Mother Armenia is much more than just a monument—it embodies the protective maternal figure of the nation. Her firm stance and gaze toward the horizon symbolize the vigilance and determination of the Armenian people in the face of historical challenges, including conflicts and struggles for independence.

The statue also serves as a tribute to Armenian soldiers who fought in World War II and subsequent conflicts.

The Museum of World War II and the Armed Forces

Today, the pedestal of the statue houses the Museum of the History of World War II and the Armed Forces of Armenia. This museum exhibits a vast collection of military artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, medals, and documents related to Armenia’s participation in global and regional conflicts. There are also displays honoring Armenian war heroes and Armenia’s role in the Red Army during World War II. Outside the museum, several artillery pieces and military vehicles are displayed, further emphasizing the site’s commemorative aspect.

A Symbol of National Identity

Over time, Mother Armenia has become a powerful symbol of Armenian national identity. Its location in Victory Park provides a panoramic view of Yerevan and Mount Ararat, another deeply significant symbol for Armenia.

Every year, numerous ceremonies take place at the base of the statue, especially on May 9, Victory Day, when veterans and citizens gather to pay tribute to fallen soldiers.

Conclusion

The Mother Armenia statue is far more than a mere monument—it represents the strength and resilience of a people who have endured many hardships. By replacing the image of a dictator with that of a protective maternal figure, Armenia has asserted its identity and independence through a symbol that continues to inspire and unite the nation.