4. Gyumri and Its Historic Core: A “Historical Reserve”

This chapter presents the results of research conducted on Gyumri, aimed at developing a strategic framework of practices and tools as a foundation for the city’s heritage-based revitalization. The chapter begins by reconstructing the historical events that led Gyumri to its current state, followed by an analysis of its current potential and challenges. Gyumri is a planned city, largely preserved in its layout and buildings—a feature that represents its greatest strength. However, it faces many challenges common to “historic centers” in so-called emerging countries: depopulation, deterioration of the oldest parts, lack of job stability among its inhabitants, low income, and inadequate planning policies. Based on the studies, several strategic functions are outlined that could enhance the city’s prospects by preserving its historic buildings and making them the focal point for various revitalization processes. Identifying these strategic functions, derived from local conditions and aligned with its real possibilities in a medium-term scenario, can support the proposals of the Historic City Plan. The historic part of the city can fulfill this pivotal role if provided with tools that ensure its preservation while simultaneously allowing for the introduction of new functions, upgrading housing standards, incorporating new buildings, and conserving existing ones. The final part of the chapter discusses some of these strategies, which, specifically designed for Gyumri, could also serve as inspiration in other contexts.