Gyumri: A Jewel of Armenian Heritage and Culture

• Helloբարև
  [barev]
• Goodbyeբայց
  [bayts]
• Yesայո
  [ayo]
• Noոչ
  [voch]
• Please/You're welcomeխնդրում եմ
  [khntroom em]
• Thank youշնորհակալ եմ
  [shnorhakal em]
• Excuse me/Sorryներդրություն եմ
  [nerdrootyun em]
• How are you?Ինչ ես կարծում?
  [inch es kartsuum?]
• Fine. And you?Լավ եմ, դու՞
  [lav em, du?]
• Do you speak English?Կարերակ ես խրել անգլերեն?
  [karearak es khrel angleren?]
• I don't understandԵս չեմ հասկանում
  [es chem haskanum]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseԽնդրում եմ ճաշատեսակը
  [khntroom em jashatesaky]
• I don't eat meatԵս մի կերակուց չեմ ուտում
  [es mi kerakuts chem utum]
• Cheers!Շնորհավորում եմ
  [shnorhavorum em]
• I would like to pay, pleaseԽնդրում եմ վճարել
  [khntroom em vcharrel]

• Help!Օգնեք
  [ogneg]
• Go away!Միացրեք
  [miatsrek]
• Call the Police!Զանգահարեք ոստիկան
  [zangaharek ostikan]
• Call a doctor!Զանգահարեք բժշկ
  [zangaharek bzhshk]
• I'm lostԵս կորուստ եմ
  [es korust em]
• I'm illԵս հիվանդ եմ
  [es hivanad em]

• I'd like to buy...Խնդրում եմ գնել
  [khntroom em gnel]
• I'm just lookingԵս միայն նայում եմ
  [es miayn nayum em]
• How much is it?Որքա՞ն է այն
  [vorkan e ayn]
• That's too expensiveԴա շատ է թանկ
  [da shat e tank]
• Can you lower the price?Ի՞նչ առավո՞նում ես գինը
  [inch aravnum es gine]

• What time is it?Տեսական վայր է?
  [tesakan vayr e?]
• It's one o'clockՄեկը է
  [meky e]
• Half past (10)Կեսը է (10)
  [kesy e (10)]
• MorningԱռավոտ
  [aravot]
• AfternoonԿերական
  [kerakan]
• EveningԵրեկ
  [yerek]
• YesterdayԵրեկ
  [yerek]
• TodayԱյսօր
  [aysor]
• TomorrowՎաղը
  [vagy]
• 11
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• 22
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• 33
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• 1010
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• Where's a/the...?Այստեղ է ...?
  [aystegh e ...?]
• What's the address?Ինչ է հասցեն?
  [inch e hascen?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ի՞նչ կարող եք ցուցադրել (քարտեզում)
  [inch karogh ek tsutsadrel (kartezum)]
• When's the next (bus)?Երբ է հաջորդը (ավտոբուսը)?
  [erb e hajordy (avtobusy)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Չիք (մինչեւ ...)
  [chik (minchev ...)]

Gyumri, originally known as Kumayri, has been inhabited since the 5th century BC. The city was strategically located on the trade routes connecting the Black Sea to Persia, making it a vital hub for commerce and culture. During the ancient period, it was renowned for its metalwork and craftsmanship, which attracted traders and settlers from various regions.

In 1837, Kumayri was renamed Alexandropol in honor of Tsar Nicholas I’s wife, Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna. This period marked significant growth, as the city became a major garrison town for the Russian Empire. The construction of the Transcaucasian Railway in the late 19th century further boosted its economic and cultural development, turning it into one of the largest cities in the Caucasus.

Following the Bolshevik takeover in 1920, Alexandropol was renamed Leninakan in 1924. Under Soviet rule, the city underwent rapid industrialization, becoming a key center for textiles, engineering, and food processing. Leninakan was also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous theaters, museums, and educational institutions established during this era.

On December 7, 1988, a devastating earthquake struck northern Armenia, with Gyumri (then Leninakan) being one of the hardest-hit areas. The 6.8 magnitude quake resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction of infrastructure. The city's recovery has been slow but steady, with international aid and local resilience playing crucial roles in its rebuilding process.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Gyumri regained its historical name. Today, it stands as Armenia's second-largest city and a testament to the resilience of its people. The city is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, including its distinctive 19th-century architecture, vibrant arts scene, and traditional crafts. Gyumri has become a beacon of Armenian history and culture, blending its storied past with modern aspirations.

Gyumri is located in the Shirak Province of Armenia. The nearest international airport is Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, approximately 120 kilometers away. From Yerevan, you can take a taxi, minibus (marshrutka), or train to Gyumri. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours by road or rail. Gyumri also has its own smaller airport, Shirak Airport, which offers limited flights, primarily from Russia and occasionally other destinations.

Gyumri is a compact city, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) operate within the city and connect to nearby towns and villages. Renting a car can also be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Armenia is the Armenian Dram (AMD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available throughout Gyumri, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Yerevan before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Gyumri is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Gyumri. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Gyumri like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Armenian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Kumayri Historic District, which offers a glimpse into 19th-century Armenian architecture. For a unique experience, attend a performance at the Vardan Achemyan Drama Theatre or explore the Gyumri Central Park, a popular spot for locals.