Sasuntsi Davit Statue Travel Guide

The Sasuntsi Davit Statue is a powerful and iconic monument located in Yerevan, Armenia. Created by sculptor Yervand Kochar and erected in 1959, the copper equestrian statue portrays David of Sassoun (Sasuntsi Davit), the protagonist of the Armenian national epic, "Daredevils of Sassoun". The statue stands proudly in a large square near Yerevan's central railway station, greeting visitors with a symbol of Armenian strength and resilience.The statue captures the moment when David, riding his horse Kurkik Jalali, is poised to strike the enemy with his sword, Tur Ketsaki. The sculpture is perched upon a basalt base, designed to resemble natural rock formations, and is set within a reflecting pool. Water flows from an overturned bowl beneath the horse's hooves, symbolizing the overflowing patience of the Armenian people.The statue's history is intertwined with Armenia's Soviet past. The idea for the monument arose in the late 1930s, with the first plaster version displayed in 1939. However, this original statue was destroyed in 1941, and Kochar was arrested. The statue was restored in 1959, with Kochar making significant changes from the original design. Today, the Sasuntsi Davit Statue remains a cherished landmark and a testament to Armenian heritage.