SQUARES AND PARKS
CHARLES AZNAVOUR SQUARE
1924–1926, 1933
State index: 1.6.178.3
The square was named in honor
of the renowned French-Armenian singer, chansonnier, composer, writer, film
actor, and public figure Charles Aznavour. It was opened on 21 September 2001
within the framework of the festive events dedicated to the 10th anniversary of
the independence of the Republic of Armenia. Charles Aznavour also attended the
official opening ceremony.
The square located near the
Moscow Cinema was historically formed as a result of the development of Abovyan
Street (formerly Astafyan Street). The Saint Paul and Peter Church and the
Zalkhan Persian Mosque (1649) were once located here. It is one of the first
squares of Yerevan and was included in the 1924 General Plan of Yerevan
(architect: Alexander Tamanyan).
The square has a semi-circular
composition. It was formed by two semicircular buildings: the Moscow Cinema and
the Golden Tulip Grand Hotel.
In 1966, a decorative mosaic
water basin was constructed in the center of the square (architect: Arsen
Melikyan, artist: O. Khachatryan). On 20 November 1984, the fountain of the
basin was put into operation, featuring zodiac symbols representing the 12 constellations
(architect: Arsen Melikyan, artist: Vladimir Atanyan).
The architecture of the square
incorporates tuff, basalt, glass, plaster, and reinforced concrete. In 1970,
the buildings were faced with yellow felsite stone.
