Trees Cut Down for the Construction of Gyumri Customs: Hayk Barsghyan's Alarm

Environmentalist and member of the SOS initiative, Hayk Barsghyan, wrote on his Facebook page: “I was born on July 23, 1990, in Leninakan. It is pointless to describe the emotion that the reader may never feel, blinded by the slogan of 'Economic Revolution.' Maybe my friends and loved ones will understand me.

Until I was 28 years old, I lived, created, and educated myself in Gyumri. One of my schools was ‘Sovkhoz.’ More specifically, it was ‘the tank’s yard of the Sovkhoz.’ For over 10 years, I have photographed the tree alley that welcomed you at the entrance. It was the first place I showed to all my guests coming to Gyumri, a magnificent sight in both summer and deep winter. I fell in love in this garden; I played with my friends here, conducted experiments here...

It was during Vardanik's (the criminal mayor of Gyumri) time that I had a dream: to someday see this alleyway as an entrance to one of the best gardens in the world... These photos are just a few among thousands, most of which I have not processed. The edited photos are circulated around the world. Type ‘Gyumri Wallpaper’ into Google and see how many times the photos have been downloaded as Desktop wallpapers. People, unaware of Gyumri’s location, download and continue to download these images to decorate their phone and computer screens.

A few days ago, I live-streamed the negative consequences of today’s 'Economic Revolution,' where money corrupts everything we exist for. I blame myself for not being in the city; I blame myself for not being able to educate the construction worker and the architect; I blame myself for not being able to stop the destruction of my dream and childhood tree alley. I feel deep pain, which is truly impossible to convey in words. To you, old, dangerous trees are just things; to us, they represent love and beauty.

I will not comment on the blinded 'Zombies' who are unable to adequately assess reality through the eyes given to them by nature. It is foolish for people not to learn from their mistakes. I want to share these photos widely so that everyone can see the real problem of modern Armenia: culture. Our culture has become money, likes, status...

I do not consider any of this culture. We have no culture... I would have liked to see the entrance of the customs through this magnificent alleyway welcoming visitors in all seasons. I would have liked for people to take photos against the backdrop of these trees. You have destroyed the sweet memories of many people's childhood. Thank you to all involved. Enjoy your customs clearance.”