WONDERING AROUND YEREVAN: TERYAN STREET

Vahan Teryan Street, named after arguably the most lyrical Armenian poet, is situated parallel to Abovyan Street, compared to which it is considered a bit of a back street, though in reality, it's one of the most interesting streets in the center of Yerevan. There are fewer brand name shops, cafés and restaurants on Teryan Street, but as one of the oldest streets in the city, it is definitely worth visiting. Teryan is a relatively short street. It will take you only 30 minutes to walk its entire length. It begins at the crossroad with Arami Street, not far from Republic Square. But it is more pleasant to start walking down it, just because the street goes downhill. At this end of the street, you'll see the Agricultural Academy and the Satte Engineering University. There are many institutes of higher education in this area, which is why the park between the Polytechnic Institute and Medical University is called Student Park. This small green area in front of the National Library is famous, among other things, for its small observatory, which is situated in the heart of the park, behind the monument of the legendary astrophysicist, Victor Hambartsumyan.

When you take the first left at Koryun Street, it's worth stopping for a coffee at one of the cafés in the Citadel Business Center. When you have crossed Koryun Street, you cannot help but notice one of the most unusual buildings on the street, the Hayastan Publishing House, on the right. Do not let classic motifs in its architectural style and its façade fool you. This two- story building was constructed in the 1920s, which is why the communist symbols of a hammer, a sickle, and a star proudly decorate the columns. Now the building houses several night clubs and karaoke bars.

Upon passing the next cross street, you'll find yourself at Circular Boulevard. On the right, you'll see Poplavok Cafe and on the left, in front Yeritasardakan subway station, a unique marble monument called "Hands of Friendship", a gift to Yerevan from the Italian city of Carrara.

The monument has an extraordinary history. In 1961, Armenian artist Ara Harutyunyan (the sculptor of the monuments of Sayat Nova and Komitas) took part in a biannual exhibition in Carrara. With a group of other participants, he visited a famous local stone quarry where he noticed ents of a huge monument - a head, hands, and legs. It turned out to be an unfinished statue of Jesus Christ. The sculptor had not managed to find sponsors to finish the work. Noticing the Armenian sculptor's interest in these fragments, the owners offered them to him.

Harutyunyan took this very seriously, and upon returning to Armenia gave an idea to the mayor of Yerevan, Gevork Asatryan, which the mayo really liked. In 1962, an official Armenian delegation left for Carrara, where the city council presented them the marble hands as a token of friendship Then back in Yerevan, Ara Harutyunyan created a new sculpture from the hands. Now the monument symbolizes the friendship of the two cities. Later, Yerevan returned the favor by donating a monument called "The Spring" (architect Rafo Israelyan) made according to the finest Armenian traditions, to Carrara. A copy of it can be seen in the public garden opposite the friendship monument.

At the corner of Moskovyan Street, on the left, you'll see an attractive block of flats, with columns stretching along its three upper floors. Many outstanding artists once lived in this building, which was constructed n the 1930s. Some memorial plates attest to this. The famous conductor, Konstantin Sarajyev lived here, too. But when these honored artists left their homes, they certainly did not find Mr. Gyros, a Greek fast food restaurant on the first floor of their building. The specialty offered by this staurant is gyros, the Mediterranean equivalent of shawarma, a meat sandwich wrapped in flatbread. If you cross the street, you can enjoy coffee and cakes at Jazzve, a chain café and store.

Further down, Teryan Street crosses Sayat Nova Avenue at Swan Lake. Just opposite it, you'll see the Khnko Aper National Children's Library. Khnko Aper (Atabek Khnkoyan), a children's writer, founded this library in It was originally situated on Tumanyan Street. The current building, designed by architects Ruzan Alaverdyan and Levon Galumyan, is a classic example of Soviet Armenian architecture. It was built in 1980.

Teryan Street crosses Northern Avenue. Here, between two recently built bu siness centers, you can see a city landmark of an entirely different era: a ze statue ofthe legendary Kara Bala, sculpted at natural height by Levon Tokhmajyan. Stepan Harutyunyan, nicknamed Kara Bala, was born into a wealthy family that lost all its property during the Soviet period. He was imprisoned for"publicly offending the authorities." When he was released Stepan learned that his wife had married another man. Crushed by this news he took to the streets. Then he began earning his living selling flowers, which is when he got the nickname Kara Bala literally, "black child"). But his simple business would not prosper because of his love for all that is beautiful.

When he saw a beautiful girl or a happy couple walking by, he would simple give roses as gifts instead of selling them.Now the statue of Kara Bala stands smiling and offers flowers to everybody who passes Teryan Street.

The last part of the street is just behind Northern Avenue. The difference is striking: the huge brand new, modern buildings of Northern Avenue are on one side and old five-story buildings are on the other. A few very cozy cafes and restaurants are situated on their first floors.

It is worth looking into the yards, too. A little further, on the right between two blocks of flats, there is a half-destroyed gate with "Hayfilm" painted on it The sign refers to the building behind the gate. It was the first pavilion ofthe national Armenfilm Studio. Hamo Beknazaryan and his companions and followers shot movies here up to the end of the 1950s. Armenians just adored these films. Nowadays, a small student theatre studio is situated in the building, and Armenfilm Studio has been in a different building since Soviet times. Buildings from old Yerevan still stand at the crossroad with Arami Street. At the corner, you'll see the nice two-story Institute of Philosophy, Sociology and Law. And just in front of it, there is an equally elegant bungalow. It is home to a children's choir called Arm the Chi enia's Little Singers, ldren's Philharmonic Society, and an international association with the same name. Young vocalists rehearse their pieces in this house with ancient fireplaces, carved wooden shutters and doors that are more than a hundred years old.Such an authentic 19h century Yerevan atmosphere must be an inspiring setting for these young talents.

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