Reside in "Poqr/Central" Yerevan ... only for the rich $$$
There is SOOOOO much construction. We say this over and over again, but the more you look around, the more you notice how much the city is changing.
Sure there is North(ern) Avenue, which includes more than a dozen new residential buildings, but there is also the Main Avenue project, which will probably include another dozen or more new buildings, plus all the other new buildings being built around the city.
Right now, I can think of about 40 or more new residential buildings going up right in the center. (Imagine, 40 buildings, 8 floors each and 4 apartments/floor = almost 1,300 new apartments. This is a big underestimate, considering many of these buildings are double in size... 16 floors + 8 apartments/floor.)
Most locals seeking new apartments can't even bother looking into these places, which cost anywhere from $650-1,000/square meter (on North Avenue ($1,400+++) ... UNFINISHED ... meaning you have to paint; do the floors; install all the inside doors; kitchen appliances and cabinets; washroom sinks, showers and toilets; etc. Apartments are between 90-160 square meters (and sometimes more.) Ultimately, a one bedroom 90 square meter finished apartment (not furnished) will cost over $70,000, and believe me, 90 square meter apartments are rare in these buildings. The majority start from 140 square meters.
According to the people at Elite Group Real Estate, almost all of the apartments in the 5 or 6 buildings they are currently building are sold out, mostly purchased by Russian-Armenians.
The first pic is an unusual looking business building being built close to Congress Hotel on Khorenatsi; this second one is one of my most favourite new buildings, which is being built on Main Avenue right next to Charentz's Museum on Mashtots.
Sure there is North(ern) Avenue, which includes more than a dozen new residential buildings, but there is also the Main Avenue project, which will probably include another dozen or more new buildings, plus all the other new buildings being built around the city.
Right now, I can think of about 40 or more new residential buildings going up right in the center. (Imagine, 40 buildings, 8 floors each and 4 apartments/floor = almost 1,300 new apartments. This is a big underestimate, considering many of these buildings are double in size... 16 floors + 8 apartments/floor.)
Most locals seeking new apartments can't even bother looking into these places, which cost anywhere from $650-1,000/square meter (on North Avenue ($1,400+++) ... UNFINISHED ... meaning you have to paint; do the floors; install all the inside doors; kitchen appliances and cabinets; washroom sinks, showers and toilets; etc. Apartments are between 90-160 square meters (and sometimes more.) Ultimately, a one bedroom 90 square meter finished apartment (not furnished) will cost over $70,000, and believe me, 90 square meter apartments are rare in these buildings. The majority start from 140 square meters.According to the people at Elite Group Real Estate, almost all of the apartments in the 5 or 6 buildings they are currently building are sold out, mostly purchased by Russian-Armenians.The first pic is an unusual looking business building being built close to Congress Hotel on Khorenatsi; this second one is one of my most favourite new buildings, which is being built on Main Avenue right next to Charentz's Museum on Mashtots.
posted by Der Hova at 1:11 AM
36 Comments:
to be fair, Yerevan is not only for the rich... the extremely central parts of town are what you're talking about. Merely one or two metro stops out and the prices fall to less than half...
Well Raff, if you noticed I had three $ signs, not 5. LOL!
Actually my entire log was about the center of Yerevan. Alright I'll include the word "Central" or "Poqr" in my title. :-)
Unfortunately, prices are increasing in all parts of the city. For example, in Komitas where I live prices are increasing on the back of this construction boom but also because of huge influx of Iranian students but also families who are buying in these parts of towns.
I have to be honest and say that I think that it is now impossible for young Armenians who are unable to earn anywhere near the money to buy property ANYWHERE in Yerevan. Unless they live with their parents for the rest of their lives, it's no wonder why they still think fo their future outside Armenia.
Now I wonder when someone will address the housing needs of new generations of Armenians here. On a brighter note, at least there are moves to introduce a real mortgage market in Armenia but we're still a long way off from that. There was an interesting article on the same theme about the luxury apartment boom in Baku two years ago and mortgages but I forget where it is.
Sorry, to explain. I meant Iranian families. It's now very common to see Iranian families living in this part of the city as well as students.
Ok, here's the article:
Azerbaijan: Dark Side of Housing Boom
The construction bonanza is changing the Baku skyline, but also prompting questions about whether the industry is a cover for money-launderers.
By Gulnaz Gulieva in Baku (CRS No. 205, 21-Nov-03)
As the oil rush of the Nineties subsides, Azerbaijan is facing another boom, this time in housing development.
The capital Baku has turned into a giant construction site, providing the suppliers of raw materials and equipment with lucrative contracts.
But the burst of construction activity in the capital has also raised questions about its legality. There are growing claims that some sections of the industry acted as a cover for widespread money laundering.
Mehman Aliev, of the Turan news agency, said illegal funds that could no longer be taken out of the country were flowing into the building sector.
http://www.iwpr.net/index.pl?archive/cau/cau_200311_205_3_eng.txt
I daresay some of the issues raised are true for Yerevan.
This is true of any major city in Europe too. The prices in the centre of cities for new flats tend to be very high. All this means is that Hayastan is catching up fast with what has been going on in the prperty market in the rest of Europe.
Welcome to the 21st century.
If all this means that it is bringing Hay from around the world to Hayastan with their funds and thus investing in our country, I for one think that is excellent as in the long run it will benefit the locals too.
We are delighted to see all these new buildings going up and it is great that you have logged these photos. Thanks
At the same time, chasing out locals from their homes without giving them adequate compensation is disgusting.
There are just as many concerns about rising property prices in Europe. When I was in the UK last year, there were HUGE concerns from friends who earn very well but who don't want to buy at the prices currently being asked for.
The problem is even more acute in a countries like Armenia and Azerbaijan where average salaries in Yerevan and Baku are $100 / month. A new problem is going to be created when the vast majority of the population can't afford to buy property.
As in other countries there needs to be a boom in the construction of low cost housing for the majority of locals as well as Diasporans. Okay, so a few officials now have somewhere to invest the money they stole from the state budget and the construction boom is fuelling part of the economic boom for the short term.
However, what about later? Social polarization is alrady extreme and property prices affect even the educated and emerging middle classes. All this development in the very center concerns me.
Forgetting the poor sods now unable to buy a new home after being illegally turfed out of their homes for this new construction, what about the rest of the capital and the country?
It will come but when...
Interesting article:
Building Unrest: Neighbors worry that high-rise construction threatens safety
http://www.armenianow.com/eng/?go=pub&id=655&issue_id=74
And I kind of thought there was some kind of poetic justice in this story:
Businessman dies in demolition accident at controversial site
http://www.armenianow.com/eng/?go=pub&id=832
What about the outskirt Yerevan communities of Massive or Bangladesh. I've herd housing is still affordable in most Massive sectors and that there are lots of affordable microbus transportation to and from the downtown area. It’s not as fun or exciting as downtown Yerevan, but it’s less hustle and bustle, more of a tranquil environment, my kids would love that. Besides, if I had a choice, I wouldn’t raise my children in current dusty Yerevan streets. I don’t think any loving or responsible parent would do that.
I guess Massive is still relatively affordable, but I was looking at one apprt last summer in 5th or 6th Massive can't remember, it was a one room appt in need of a complete overhaul and it cost $15,000 which sounded great to me but considering an average person in Yerevan earns approx $100 per month it's still beyond the means of most.
Anna, I think that's the point, isn't it? $15,000 for a 1 room apartment (so forget someone who wants to start a family) in Massiv is affordable for who?
Now you can understand if you want to get somewhere in Armenia you need connections and also, you HAVE to be corrupt. It's virtually impossible otherwise.
Again, the problem is that there is no mortgage market... otherwise, $15,000 over the course of 15 or 30 years is very affordable. About $100/month in the USA if I am not mistaken.
Raffi, that makes perfect sence if we're talking about any european country but not Armenia. I don't think there will be morgages in Armenia in the near future, a bank or any financial intitution must have a guarantee that the ammount loaned out will be returned but with an unstable employment market such as the one in Armenia no one will take the risk of offering an average Armenian a morgage.
I know I'm always pesimistic in my comments but I really don't think there's much hope for our coutry then again maybe I'm looking at a glass that's half empty.......
In 2004 I noticed a lot of new Iranian families moving into the Arabkir area (near the Iranian embassy), where I was renting an apartment. A few of these men are actually Muslem Iranians who married with Armenian women. In any case, they seem to be doing very well. What type of business do these men do to establish such a higher standard of living and do you think they have drive up the cost of housing in that area? thanks.
Anna - it's true you should have some kind of stable income for a mortgage, and even $100 is a lot here for most, but since the bank can sell your property to get it's money back if you default, it is not taking much risk at all unless prices collapse.
Der Hova - one of my other favorite new building designs is on the corner of Moscovyan and Moscovyan Antsughi/Spentiarov, where the Ministry of Nature Protection used to be (near where Lolig Bistro is now).
Raff, yes I like that building too. Very cool.
Anna, where do you live? The comment you made, "I really don't think there's much hope for our country", is one I hear by many snobby European-Armenians who are clueless about the progression in our country (usually never reading any Armenian news.) I don't mean to offend you, but if you are up to date with how much our country is changing, and almost always for the better, you would never think so negatively about Armenia.
De Hova, I'd like to know what changes you're talking about. New shops, hotels etc are not really it, I'm afraid. It's a bit like the really stupid "observation" I got very tired of hearign from Diasporan Armenians. It went along the lines of "everybody in Armenia" has a mobile phone. In actual fact, because of the ArmenTel monopoly, Armenia has the LOWEST use of mobile phones in the CIS including Azerbaijan and Georgia.
Instead, I measure progress on whether society is active, whether the rule of law is governing things, whether corruption is reduced, whether democracy and respect for human rights exists. Poverty, economic growth etc is happening but none of the three S. Caucasus Republics are in recession.
Still, there is some progress of course. It is likely that the West will not tolerate falsified elections in 2007, legislative reforms are continuing, poverty is decreasing.
However, real sustainable foreign direct investment is not increasing by nearly enough and tax collections remain low. Armenia is also becoming increasingly isolated from regional processes which will affect it's future sustainability in the region.
Anna, re. mortgages, I think this is a logical next step because it is necessary and I think this year or next year there should be some advances made. I'm sure I've read media reports to this effect.
Otherwise, I would at least agree with Der Hova by saying that I feel more positive about things in Armenia because the government is having to back down on quite a few serious issues. On the other hand, in 2007 and 2008 we risk real political instability when Kocharian has to go whether he wants to or not. The issue is whether he will attempt to handpick his successor.
Probably, if we have democratic elections then, everything will really be a lot better and Armenia can finally become a normal country rather than an autocratic pseudo-capitalist manifestation of Soviet Armenia with a tendency towards dictatorship.
Last point is that when Der Hova says so many things are changing for the better, I think he means the very center of Yerevan. Maybe there's a few changes outside the center but as Armenia loses its forests and as the high-rises go up in the center, the rest of the country is where?
Der Hova,
Firstly, if your argument only hold up if I'm an "Ill informed snobby Euro-Armenian" and if it makes you feel more at ease with your illusions of a perfect Armenia that you have created in Central Yerevan, then by all means please continue to insult me.
Now let's look at things a little more objectively, if you consider the economic position of about 5% of the population if even that, then yes the country and the economy are indeed showing signs of improvement. The government continually praise themselves on the double digit economic growth expected this year, but of course they neglect to mention the fact that these are artificially inflated figures and yes looking at the economy on a purely superficial level the country is improving.
However, just for one minute consider the situation faced by average Armenians and even still let's look at those outside Yerevan, I can truly say that I've noticed very little difference in how people live in say for example Echmiadzin, these are not people that can afford to live in the beautiful high rises springing up all over central Yerevan, they can't avail of the plentiful supermarkets and modern conveniences and that you and I for that matter, take for granted, I'm talking about old people living on 6,000 drams per month, the disabled being spat on on the street, the smart child who can't afford to bribe a lecturer and doesn't get the grades that he deserves.
And before you start accusing me of not knowing what I'm talking about, the old woman is my grandmother, I'm lucky enough to be in a position to help her, but what about the thousands of other pensioners that have to live on a pittance.
The disabled boy was my boyfriend's brother, who had looked forward to going to Armenia for so long and felt devastated when people actively avoided speaking to him or treated him like an animal only because was disabled.
I'm not trying to make Armenia out to be a horrific place I'm only suggesting that we have some sense of objectivity when discussing certain issues concerning our country. But again, if you'd like to think that I have no idea what I'm talking about just because I'm not there with all of you on a day to day basis then there's nothing I can do to change your minds........
I hope those of you who have relocated to Yerevan don't take this the wrong way, but I've noticed a prevailing attitude among some repatriates, of the very same snobbishness I am accused of toward those Armenians in both Europe and America for the mere reason that they haven't followed the "relocation boom", it's seems as thought some among you feel that you have done such a great service to Armenia by simply relocating there that the rest of us should feel ashamed of ourselves for having "abandoned" Armenia and not dare criticise anything you say.
It's easy to label someone you know nothing about but why not consider the fact that a lot of us visit Armenia as often as time and finances allow, why not consider that a lot of us students and recent graduates seriously consider returning once we have gained some experience in our chosen fields, what would be the point of us returning right now, there are thousand of local Armenians who have a better theoretical knowledge of their fields then we do so why not stay in whatever country we're in, gain some essential experience then use it to improve out country. Armenia hasn't improved just because a few American or Canadian Armenians feel "at home" there with all the modern conveniences they need, it hasn't improved just because there are more luxury cars on the streets or more teenagers with mobile phones handing off their ears and it's certainly not going to improve until people realise that there's a whole other country outside Central Yerevan .......
Loveeeeeeeeee Mark Ryan and his work. I don't know what this H.A. Der Hova is all about but you do seem to be a little more negative since you moved to Armenia. Focus on your music and make us dance again. Who knows, you may just as well make us dance all the way to Armenia.
I agree with Anna, but I also think that Hova is right in the sense that if his hope did not exist then he simply wouldnt be in the country, wouldn't be contributing to its economic development, and wouldn't help in making diasporan Armenians see that relocating to Armenia is possible..and I think that can only be looked up in a positive light.
Compared to last time I was in Armenia for a long period (2003), i now felt:
1. less safe, perhaps this is me, but the presence of the thick neck types is so widespread now.
and when in the car, the number of 07-777 ot 55-5555 plates we had to avoid was far far more..surface level things but they all make difference.
2.That Armenia is reminding me more and more of Russia. I cannot explain why. I think its going to be those business centre type buildings, amidst a general population that lives in poverty... Thats the only reason I can think of , but it does just give me the same feeling as Moscow. Perhaps its Kocharyan..and the media being so govt.centric
3. Young people - my friends and family, are beginning to be able to scrape by an income...but mainly through things like selling mobile phones, or what have you...
4. you NEED to engage in corruption to do anything.
That was the saddest thing for me. Things I wanted to do meant that I had to take part in the money passing games...and the people who say they are combatting it..are literally the ones taking money out of your hand. I do think elections in 2007 have to being about some kind of change, or it means we will ahve to stand up and do something about it.
When I get back to yerevan, of course. :)
Thanks anonymous, very cute message. Der Hova is actually my critical side (just joking.) I promise to make you dance soon. :-)
Anna, firstly I am not one of those snobby repats who judges those whom have left, neither am I one of those new repats trapped in a romantic dreamland commenting on how perfect everything is in Armenia (I know a few of those kinds, and it’s really annoying.)
In your message, as well as Onnik’s last one, I noticed a contradiction. Sure I enjoy talking about new construction, new eateries, and all that stuff, but you both admitted that there has been progression. That was the point of my message. Even 1% of progression is a good step, no? Never did I say everything is perfect now let’s rename this country “The Utopian Republic of Armenia”, but I am trying to think positive about our future.
As far as only Yerevan developing and no attention being turned towards our other towns and cities, I agree with you 100% Anna, and believe me it really bothers me as well. Many of my close friends know how much I hurt when this subject comes up. Something as simple as another “Yerevan” song drives me up the wall. What does that do to the people from other regions?
It’s depressing to go to Gyumri, and to believe that at one time it was the second biggest city in Armenia. It’s depressing to go to beautiful Vanadzor and to see sparkle in the eyes of teens when they talk about Yerevan and all the opportunities here, yet, at one time, that city was one of the, if not THE, industrial center of this country. I have friends in many of the regions, so believe me, I am not completely clueless.
I have a relative who has opened a huge factory at least 50km outside of Yerevan. He is an awesome person who LOVES his people, and has provided jobs for close to 200 people in that city plus its surrounding villages (ultimately feeding about 200 families.) He goes through HELL with the _sshole tax collectors who can’t find faults in his business, so they shamelessly ask him to make up illegal activity in his accounting so that they won’t lose their jobs (because afterall, their jobs depend on finding cheaters out there.) And yet, after all these years ... this man is loyal, he thinks positive, he invests time, money, all his energy, and has yet to lose hope. His positivity is a major influence in my life.
Anna, sense of objectivity is your right and I am not here to prevent you from exploiting your opinions, yet when you say, "I really don't think there's much hope for our country", I'll forget that it hurts me ('cause who am I right?), but believe me, that comment crushes the hearts of thousands of other positive thinkers in this country. I have befriended some locals and brought positive, healthy and encouraging influences into their lives ... your comment would COMPLETELY destroy them in a second.
There is so much to change, SO MUCH! I’m not blind ... every time I see that humble poor man picking at garbage in those disgusting trashcans down the street, he brings down his head in shame when I give him a little bit of money to buy some clean food. I’m not deaf ... I hear the cries of so many of my disheartened friends from the regions, as well as the hopelessness in my Yerevan friends when some stupid little thing strips them of the hope I’ve been trying to build into their souls over the past few years.
That snobby attitude I mentioned is the attitude of ignorance, of those who could never admit that progression actually does exist in Armenia. A few international organizations, countless NGOs, as well as thousands of average citizens are battling social issues every single day. This is not some backwards state, like some of our neighbours. We are still learning how to stand up for ourselves, to be active citizens in a capitalistic society, and yes, we have actually succeeded on numerous occasions.
The victories of becoming a member of the Council of Europe along with it’s commitments such as the abolition of the death penalty, the Jehovah’s Witness “sect” being registered as an official religion and the issue of alternative military service; the acceptance of the fact that trafficking is a real issue and media finally beginning to cover this subject; the Shikahogh issue; and even something as small as the offensive Jermuk commercial being edited down, are all these victories worthless to contribute towards the progression in the lives of this country’s citizens?
An aggressive attitude is what we need, and it’s the poison of hopelessness that we need to destroy.
Anna, believe me, I'm just another "citizen" here, spending my money here, bringing hope to the lives of my local friends, and I carry that with a positive attitude. I’m not a so-called Canadian Armenian who feels "at home" with all my modern conveniences. I probably have half, if not less, the amount of conveniences I had back where I came from, plus I’m thousands of miles away from my family and closest friends. I never once mentioned me living in a perfect Armenia I have created in Central Yerevan as you stated. You have no clue what my opinions are about life in Yerevan. Has it crossed your mind that I might actually hate this place?
I’m not trying to prove anything to anyone by being here, but I would assume my move has only brought positivity to Armenia, and/or to the life of at least one soul in this country.
In fact, I know I have, because as I sit here, I can think of at least a couple of close Hayastatsi friends (very different ages), whom have enlightened me with wet eyes how much they love having me in their lives while others slap them everyday with negative hopeless comments.
Just a question, are you from outside of Yerevan? Because I noticed you have a good heart towards the people of the regions, which you have to admit not a lot of locals talk about. If you are interested, email me and let’s chat about this stuff. No use in saying more here.
Well, first let me say that I have begun to look forward to Der Hova's posts. However, I disagree with him on this one. That's life just as he disagrees with me.
However, let's get things straight. In terms of the economy, and I'll say this again, not one of the three South Caucasus republics is in recession.
So what I consider is progress is something less visible than a flashy car, buildin, restaurant or boutique in central Yerevan.
Firstly, this is because these are manifestations of high level government corruption. All of the cafes in central Yerevan are owned by officials or their relatives, this shop by another, that restaurant by someone else who stole from the state to open it and so on.
They are not paying all their taxes and in many cases have broken the law (especially in the case of cafes in the parks). However, let me step back and be a little bit objective perhaps. This was probably the way that capitalist societies were built in the west 100 years ago.
Anyway, is there economic progress? Yes. In Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, wherever. In terms of democracy, rule of law, corruption etc, I think there's been regress in Armenia and this affects the sustainability of the country and whether the country is a fit place to bring up a family.
On the other hand, I can at least feel a little positive in that I believe that the situation will have to change by the time of the next elections. If not, then there is no future for this country. So, let's hope.
Otherwise, I think Harmick's comments were the most interesting and I think all those observations were totally spot on. The power of the oligarchs and the extent of corruption in Armenia is now significantly more than it's ever been in the seven years I've been here.
I have to admit that when the country is governed by the rule of law I'm not sure these guys are going to become law abiding citizens overnight. They have killed (assassinations since 2003 elections have hit a record high -- still, at least they're killing each other), they have beaten, they consider themselves above the law and they have too much to lose.
On the other hand, I did say something that Der Hova also pointed out in a later comment. The government is now weaker than its ever been. Shikahogh was an example of that as was the U-turn on the CE's demands for the constitutional ammendments.
Talking of which, we'll know how much progress there's been in October for the local elections and in November for the constitutional referendum. The ARF-D have already warned of possible bloodshed for the local elections.
Otherwise, corruption in the education and medical sectors has not changed, democracy and respect for human rights has regressed, the oligarchs are more powerful and to again respond to this point about contradictions, not one of the three South Caucasus republics is in recession.
I also find it funny that until recently, and I will say this again, the Diaspora used the number of mobile phones in Armenia as indication of positive change even though Armenia had far less per capita than Azerbaijan and Georgia.
However, mobile phone use is an irrelevance. What really matters is legislative reform, tax collection, the rule of law and democracy. Armenia now has the opportunity to do something about this before the next elections. Is there the political will to do so?
In fact, I believe it is these issues that will determine Armenia's viability as a state especially when in a few years it will be totally isolated from regional processes and Russia will be gone from the Caucasus.
Society and youth must also be more active and demand accountability from corrupt officials that rule the roost and line their pockets at the expense of the state budget.
However, overall, I am feeling more positive that things will really change in tangible ways rather than for a small minority that constitutes an elite formed through corruption and illegalities. The question is when and how but that's transition and how states are formed and evolved.
You are right about them killing each other..that gives me a twisted comfort. When I hear of the sick murders and attacks that seem to occur here in the UK every week now, thick necked Armenian thugs kiling each other over who kicked a football over dodi gagos fence seems slightly less worrying...nevertheless .. I do think that once the social and econmic problems are solved in Armenia , we should re name it the Utopian Republic of Armenia...because it will be :) um
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a utopia anywhere in the world. Solving one problem just gives rise to the next. That's why society and youth in particular needs to be active so it can demand certain problems be resolved sooner rather than later. Demcratic elections would help a great deal in this respect. I'd also personally like to see the Diaspora get involved. Funny about the football but as I'm sure you know, the killings are always about business. This is also something that needs to be resolved if you want FDI to increase in Armenia. Some real arrests and imprisonments would be a good start.
Der Hova,
Would love to chat more on the subject, what's ur address?
BTW: The real sign of progress is when Diaspora Armenians from the U.S. and Europe give up their passports and take up Armenian citizen, including serving for $2 a month in the Armenian army to "defend the motherland."
Until then, talk of "repatriation" is a bit far from the truth even forgetting the insignificance of the numbers having moved. Even with dual citizenship if passed in November, I daresay the Diaspora will still want exemption from military service.
In my opinion, this must not happen (exemption, that is. I have nothing against dual citizenship as long as it involves residency for a minimum number of years).
I think diasporan armenians learned their lesson well when in the 30-40's they left everything and moved to Armenia to help the country, abd what kind of treatment they received from the locals ? One of my relatives grand-parents were part of the hayrenatartsner, their stories are very sad ...
I myself am a diasporan , I will always be (it's part of my history and my life) I cannot pretend to be a hayasdantsi only because I decided to live in Armenia, I don't share the past, the traditions, the food or the language. I am armenian born and raised in the diaspora. I live in Armenia since 2003. I don't think "repatriation" is a quick process it takes time. Even if I intend to live in this country I don't think I would get an Armenian passport (exemption or not) 10 years ago we embraced our first armenian special resifdency visas, with lots of emotions, now is the time to think more rationnally, if we really are part of or want to be part of present Armenia with all its joys and sorrows. /I think we should just stop being romantic diasporans !
I understand Der Hova's approach, bringing hope to locals. I don't understand or accept Onnik's sarcasm; we're diasporans, not dumb!!!!
"I understand Der Hova's approach, bringing hope to locals. I don't understand or accept Onnik's sarcasm; we're diasporans, not dumb!!!!"
I wasn't being sarcastic. I think it's quite logical. As for bringing hope to the locals, when the Diaspora fights corruption, human rights abuses and is willing to tie economic assistance into democratic development, then it will be able to do that.
Until then, the Diaspora is deceiving everyone including itself. Stupid signs of "progress" like mobile phones when in actual fact, ArmenTel is and was a sign of everything wrong here. Instead, the wrong indicators are being taken to measure progress.
Now, go and look at poverty figures, infant mortality, calorie intake, emigration, school drop out rates, corruption etc then we're talking business. Ironically, in most of these areas there's some progress but these matter more than the typical central Yerevan measures the Diaspora chooses to write about.
Is it all depressing? Maybe but tell me something, do you believe that only good news should only be disseminated through the media wherever you come from or do nations only advance when problems are tackled head on and people demand change?
"I understand Der Hova's approach, bringing hope to locals. I don't understand or accept Onnik's sarcasm; we're diasporans, not
dumb!!!!"
I wasn't being sarcastic. I think it's quite logical. As for bringing hope to the locals, when the Diaspora fights corruption, human rights
abuses and is willing to tie economic assistance into democratic development, then it will be able to do that.
Until then, the Diaspora is deceiving everyone including itself. Stupid signs of "progress" like mobile phones when in actual fact,
ArmenTel is and was a sign of everything wrong here. Instead, the wrong indicators are being taken to measure progress.
Now, go and look at poverty figures, infant mortality, calorie intake, emigration, school drop out rates, corruption etc then we're talking
business. Ironically, in most of these areas there's some progress but these matter more than the typical central Yerevan measures
the Diaspora chooses to write about.
Is it all depressing? Maybe but tell me something, do you believe that only good news should only be disseminated through the media
wherever you come from or do nations only advance when problems are tackled head on and people demand change?
"I understand Der Hova's approach, bringing hope to locals. I don't understand or accept Onnik's sarcasm; we're diasporans, not
dumb!!!!"
I wasn't being sarcastic. I think it's quite logical. As for bringing hope to the locals, when the Diaspora fights corruption, human rights
abuses and is willing to tie economic assistance into democratic development, then it will be able to do that.
Until then, the Diaspora is deceiving everyone including itself. Stupid signs of "progress" like mobile phones when in actual fact,
ArmenTel is and was a sign of everything wrong here. Instead, the wrong indicators are being taken to measure progress.
Now, go and look at poverty figures, infant mortality, calorie intake, emigration, school drop out rates, corruption etc then we're talking
business. Ironically, in most of these areas there's some progress but these matter more than the typical central Yerevan measures
the Diaspora chooses to write about.
Is it all depressing? Maybe but tell me something, do you believe that only good news should only be disseminated through the media
wherever you come from or do nations only advance when problems are tackled head on and people demand change?
Sorry guys, comments didn't show up so please delete last two.
Anyway, like I said, wait until October / November. It will be the main test for Armenia before the 2007 parliamentary elections.
*Mark Ryan rocks* lets cutloose this der hova personality like NOW.
Anna, please check my blogger profile and follow the link to the website where I have my contact email. Hope to chat soon.
When I visited Washington, D.C. in 2006, I’ve noticed a small, cozy early-20th century dwelling house with a beautiful backyard when walking along M Street in Washington’s Georgetown district. I’ve become amazed and slightly envious of how caringly the municipal authorities have preserved this sole piece of an “old” Washington.
Not being an architect by training, I think that when a capital of a nation state, or any city or town for that matter, is being renovated, the process and outcome of renovation depends for the most part on the level of professionalism, maturity, public-spiritedness, open-mindedness, and artistic culture of the national elite. In case of the construction boom in Yerevan, what outcome can we possibly expect from a ruling provincial Karabakhi clan and their nouveaux rich brown-nosers? Of course, Europhile or American-style concrete glass buildings untypical for the entire panorama and unique architectural design of Yerevan, built on the sites of destroyed old buildings after throwing impoverished people out.
For narrow-minded, self-centered, and profit-oriented municipal and state rulers, most of whom are not even Yerevatsis but have come from remote villages of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, demolition of architectural history of the city is much easier, and less costly, that conservation. In this context, the destruction of the Youth Palace, among many older buildings, so dear to every Yerevantsi has accentuated the sheer idiocy, intrinsic provincialism, and unruly wealth hunger of the unelected, unpopular elite.
I hope that one day, with God’s help, these elites, who are being hated by the overwhelming majority of Armenians, too will be demolished the way they desecrate the beautiful face of my city.
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