YEREVAN CHRONOLOGY

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2025


Yerevan's historic Red bridge, built in the 17th century, officially reopened after restoration work


On November 17, the restored 17th-century Red Bridge was opened in the heart of Yerevan.

The Red Bridge connected the city across the Hrazdan River to the road leading to Etchmiadzin, and until the construction of the Victory Bridge it remained the main connecting route.

Old residents of Yerevan called the bridge “Red” because it was faced with red tuff, or “Khodja-Plav Bridge,” after Khodja-Plav, a wealthy benefactor from Kanaker who renovated the bridge at his own expense after the 1679 earthquake.

OTHER

1603


The Safavid army then laid siege to Yerevan on 15 November. The Persian army of Shah Abbas I conquered the Yerevan fortress after 9 months of siege, whereas the other towns of the Eastern Caucasus surrendered to the Shah with practically no resistance. Hundreds of thousands of Armenians, including residents of Yerevan, were taken captive and sent to Persia.

1883


The Yerevan Hotel (now "Grand Hotel Yerevan") and the photo studio and workshop of famous photographer Leon from Tbilisi, opened on Astafyevskaya (nowadays Abovyan) Street.