
Abovyan Street(Alexandrovsky)
At the outset of the 20th century, Alexandrovsky Street, now known as Abovyan, stood as the showcase of Alexandropol, present-day Gyumri. Spanning from the “Slabodka” district to the “Dzori” district, possessing a residence on this prestigious street was regarded as a symbol of honour and affluence among the residents of Alexandropol. The city’s elite sought to establish grand mansions along this distinguished thoroughfare. In 1878, one such mansion belonged to the affluent Ghunkiens Ghunki Agha, eventually repurposed to house the city prosecutor’s office.
Unfortunately, in 1988, the building suffered partial destruction due to the earthquake. Levon Drampyan, scion of another prominent noble family in Alexandropol, boasted ownership of two private residences on this esteemed street. One of these residences, a 1920s court building, was erected in 1873. With an impressive 22 rooms complete with individual pantries, its mortgage value was a staggering 325 thousand rubles. Even in the present day, the people of Gyumri remain divided into two camps: those who cling to the historical name of Alexandrovsky Street and those who have embraced the change to Abovyan. This enduring debate reflects the deep attachment and sentimentality the locals harbor for their beloved street.
Source: 1