Agarak, Aragatsotn, Memorial to the Defense of Van
| Subject: | The defenders of Van during the 1915 Armenian Genocide. (view image) |
| Type of Memorial: | Inscription, Monumental Sculpture |
| Sponsor(s): | Local community and institutions |
| Architect/Designer/Artist: | Jim Torosian |
| Placement: | Freestanding sculptural work. |
| Physical Setting: | Flat land. |
| Tourist Amenities: | No |
| Physical Condition: | Standing undamaged but not well cared for. |
| Inscription: | In the memory of Artsiv Vaspurakan self-defense movement in Van. |
| Location: | Self-defense Battle Memorial of Artsiv Vaspurakan Agarak, Ashtarak Region, Aragatsotn Province, Armenia |
| Construction Began: | Mid-1970's |
| Construction Completed: | 1979 |
| Dedication Date: | 1979 |
| Development/Construction Process: | Since the authorities of the Soviet Union never officially acknowledged the fact of the Armenian Genocide, monuments commemorating the victims of the Genocide installed during Soviet rule were built as abstract constructions. This abstract memorial commemorating an act of resistance or self-defense is an indirect reference to the Genocide. This memorial is among those Soviet monuments which were initiated and financed by local community members and never received an official dedication. |
| Additional Information: | Editorial Board of Armenian Encyclopedia. The Armenian Question. Yerevan: 1996. |
David Kertmenjian, April 23, 2003
