The David of Sasun metro station in Yerevan serves as a primary example of the structural utility Baghdasar Arzoumanian integrated into his civil designs. Born in 1916 in Tsghuk, Armenia, he navigated a career spanning the transition from Soviet infrastructure projects to the ecclesiastical reconstruction of the Armenian Church during the late twentieth century.
Early Career and Military Service
Arzoumanian began his technical education in 1928, attending a technical school until 1936. In 1938, he enrolled in the Constructions Department at the National Polytechnic University of Armenia. His studies were interrupted in 1942 by service in the Soviet army during World War II. He remained in uniform until 1946, eventually receiving the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd class, the Order of the Red Star, and the Medal for the Capture of Königsberg. He resumed his academic training in 1946, graduating in 1949.
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Following his graduation, Arzoumanian joined Yerevannakhagits, where he contributed to the development of public spaces in Armenia. Key civil works included the Vanadzor city hall and Hotel Gougark, as well as the Erebuni Museum, completed in 1968. He also designed the Yerevan aerial lift and the Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand. His practice extended to police facilities, residential apartment blocks, and the renovation of the Moscow Cinema.
Ecclesiastical Work and Religious Design
Beginning in 1956, Arzoumanian developed a long-standing collaboration with the Armenian Church headquarters in Etchmiadzin. His religious portfolio included eight original churches and two major renovation projects, such as the St. John the Baptist Church in Yerevan and the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church on Kinali Island. He also designed the Alex and Marie Manoogian Museum and the Vanatoon monastic residence. His expertise extended to interior liturgical elements, including the production of iconostases for churches in Yerevan and Saint Petersburg.
Symbolic and Commemorative Artistry
Beyond full-scale buildings, Arzoumanian designed a wide range of symbolic objects, including khachkars, the State Emblem of Soviet Armenia, and various medals such as the Order St. Gregory the Illuminator. He created funerary markers for prominent figures, including Vazgen I and Karekin I, as well as Saint Mesrob Mashtots. His decorative output included ceremonial rings, crosiers, and the throne hall for the Catholicos of All Armenians, bridging his role as an architect with that of a master artisan.
Fast facts
- Born: 1916, Tsghuk
- Died: 2001, Yerevan
- Citizenship: Armenia, Soviet Union, Russian Empire
- Education: National Polytechnic University of Armenia
- Primary Employer: Yerevannakhagits
- Notable Civil Works: Erebuni Museum, Yerevan aerial lift
- Notable Church Works: Alex and Marie Manoogian Museum, St. Sarkis Church of Nork
- Key Military Awards: Order of the Red Star, Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class
Questions readers ask
What was the scope of his religious architectural work?
He was the architect for eight new churches and completed two major church renovation projects while serving the Armenian Church headquarters.
Did Arzoumanian work on projects outside of Armenia?
Yes, he designed the Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand in Uzbekistan, the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Turkey, and the St. Catherine Armenian Church in Russia.
Achievements
- Notable work: Yerevan aerial lift
- Notable work: Erebuni Museum
- Notable work: David of Sasun
- Notable work: Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand
- Medal "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"
- Order of the Red Star
- Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd class
- Trained at National Polytechnic University of Armenia
