MONUMENTS

2002

Sculptor: Tigran Arzumanyan

The monument to Leonid Ruben Azgaldyan (22.11.1942, Tbilisi -21.06.1992, Tonashen, Artsakh) is located at 16th Mashtots Avenue, near a residential building. Azgaldyan was a distinguished scientist and radiophysicist, an experienced military figure, and a key participant in the Artsakh Liberation War. He played a crucial role in the establishment of an independent Armenian army.

From the onset of the Artsakh movement, Azgaldyan was actively involved in the Armenian national liberation struggle. He organized and led self-defense battles in various regions of the Armenian SSR, including the defense of Vardenis. In February 1990, he assumed command of the "Independence Army," a military-political organization, and participated in numerous battles. Initially serving in Shahumyan and later in Martakert, he initiated the Liberation Army military organization in 1991. On June 21, 1992, he was treacherously shot and killed near the village of Tonashen in the Martakert region.

On August 31, 2019, to mark the 28th anniversary of Artsakh's Independence, Leonid Azgaldyan was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Artsakh and the "Golden Eagle" Order. The monument, created by Honored Artist of the RA, sculptor Tigran Arzumanyan, was installed on December 11, 2002, at the intersection of Mashtots Avenue and Khorenatsi Street, near the building where the Artsakh hero once lived.

The monument is set on a 26 cm pedestal. It features a rhombus-shaped stone made of two pieces of grey basalt with a polished surface, standing 2.7 meters tall. At the top of the pedestal, a realistic bust of Leonid Azgaldyan is carved. The northwestern base of the monument displays a palm branch, while the southwestern base is engraved with the inscription: “LEONID AZGALDYAN, HERO-COMMANDER OF INDEPENDENCE AND LIBERATION ARMIES.”

On April 13, 2022, the sculpture was vandalized but was skillfully restored thereafter. The monument is considered one of Tigran Arzumanyan's finest works, capturing the essence of the national hero with a realistic portrayal of his face. It plays a significant role in commemorating Leonid Azgaldyan's legacy as a great Armenian patriot, selfless citizen, and distinguished scientist.

On November 8, 2022, at an expert session of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, the monument was granted the status of a newly recognized state (republican) monument.

“Scientific Research Centre of Historical and Cultural Heritage” SNCO

Yerevan Municipality