The Opera Needs to be Freed from the Choking Ring, Says Yerevan's Chief Architect Arthur Meschan

Major urban planning changes in Yerevan are not whims of the city hall; they are the demands of the residents. Let’s fulfill the residents’ demands and let’s respect them a bit more. If such significant urban planning changes lead to the dismantling of the greatest victory that occurred during the revolution — that unity, closeness, and the feeling of collective love — it would be a tragedy for me.

This was stated today by Yerevan’s chief architect Arthur Meschan while speaking to reporters during a visit to the Komitas Pantheon on the occasion of the birthday of the renowned architect Alexander Tamanian, addressing the issue of the dismantling of cafes near the Opera.

“I believe there are forces trying to do this, and honestly, it’s a bit unfair. Such things shouldn’t be done. As for the fact that the Opera needed to be freed from the choking ring, I don’t know any Yerevan resident who would doubt that,” said Meschan.

According to him, it is indeed unfortunate to dismantle, but “if something is being demolished, and in return, something is being gained, why not, guys? Let’s try again; there’s a chance, right? We couldn’t do this yesterday, but today it’s possible. Let’s do it,” stated the chief architect.