«2nd Millennium BC Rock Art Must Be Preserved» – Political Scientist Sounds Alarm

Political scientist Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan has shared photos and a post on his Facebook page, indicating that there are rock paintings dating back to the 2nd millennium BC in Tigran Mets Park located in the Nor Nork administrative district of Yerevan, which are currently at risk of destruction.

The post reads: "Attention. There are rock paintings from the 2nd millennium BC in Tigran Mets Park located in the Nor Nork administrative district of Yerevan. The rock paintings were relocated here from the Ughtasar site in the Sisian region of Syunik. I believe it is unnecessary to emphasize the historical and cultural value these monuments hold for us and the entire civilized world.

Now pay attention – these rock paintings, which are over 4000 years old, are at risk of destruction. Today I learned that construction is underway right next to them, and the earth and stones dug for a building foundation are being dumped directly onto these rock paintings. Heavy machinery is also working nearby, which is further endangering these historical monuments.

I want to be very clear: it doesn't seem to matter that yet another construction project is ongoing in a public park. I am, to put it mildly, very skeptical about the promises of increasing green spaces and everything else from the authorities. But the rock paintings MUST BE PRESERVED. It is mandatory."