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GYUMRI, Armenia – The Armenian government has formally announced its decision to reclaim the historic ‘Varem-Marem’ building in Gyumri from the Tashir Charitable Foundation. The decision, confirmed by the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, Zhanna Andreasyan, marks a turning point for the dilapidated structure, which is considered one of the city’s iconic landmarks.
Reason for Reclaiming the Property
According to the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, the primary reason for the government’s intervention is the failure of the Tashir Charitable Foundation to submit the necessary design and renovation plans within the established timeframe. While a deadline of June 1, 2027, had been set for the completion of the construction, the foundation failed to progress beyond initial structural stabilization and cleaning.
The ministry clarified that the property will now be brought under state control, allowing the government to initiate the required restoration work directly. However, officials have not yet provided a specific timeline for when the actual construction will resume.
Political Tensions and Public Reaction
The building, famous for its balcony featured in the film ‘Our Childhood Tango’, has been in a state of disrepair for years. Since the arrest of businessman Samvel Karapetyan, who heads the Tashir Foundation, last year, rumors had circulated regarding the future of the project. Representatives of Karapetyan have accused the government of politicizing the restoration process to hinder the foundation’s work.
Ruben Mkhitaryan, a member of Karapetyan’s team, stated during events in Gyumri that the current authorities are using the building’s cultural significance as a pretext to obstruct the construction. Conversely, government officials emphasize that the move is purely administrative and aimed at preserving the cultural heritage of Gyumri.
Future Plans for the Landmark
Minister Andreasyan noted that the government has a vision for the building’s future beyond simple renovation. \”We have ideas regarding the content of the space. Given Gyumri’s tourism potential, it could house a museum environment that showcases the cultural heritage and creates a new, interesting space for tourists,\” she said.
The ‘Varem-Marem’ building, located in the Kumayri historic district, has previously been the subject of failed government restoration attempts due to a lack of funding and investors. Whether this new state-led initiative will successfully restore the landmark remains to be seen.
Source: Azatutyun.am
