Kara Bala, Kotayk Travel Guide

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A touching Yerevan sculpture honoring Karapet, the 'flower man,' who spread joy with flowers despite personal tragedy on Abovyan Street.

Kara Bala is a bronze sculpture on Abovyan Street in Yerevan, Armenia, depicting an old man with flowers. It commemorates Karapet, a beloved, yet tragic figure from the city's past known for giving flowers to women.

A brief summary to Kara Bala

5GH7+XJ4, Abovyan St, Yerevan, Kentron, AM

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kara Bala.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
Take time to chat with locals nearby who may share fascinating stories about the sculpture.
Combine your visit with a stroll along Abovyan Street to explore nearby cafes and shops.

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Getting There

Walking

Kara Bala is located on Abovyan Street in the Kentron district of Yerevan. If you are starting from Republic Square, walk east along Abovyan Street for about 10 minutes. The sculpture will be on your right.
Public Transport

Several bus routes serve Abovyan Street. Check local transit apps like Transit.am for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single ride typically costs 100 AMD.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Yerevan. Use a ride-hailing app such as U Taxi, Taxi Viva, or Noy Taxi. A short taxi ride to Kara Bala from the city center will typically cost between 600-1000 AMD.

Discover more about Kara Bala

Kara Bala, meaning "black child," is a poignant sculpture located on Abovyan Street in Yerevan, Armenia. Created by sculptor Levon Tokmajyan, the bronze statue depicts an elderly man with a basket of flowers, offering a rose. This is a tribute to Karapet, a real-life Yerevan resident from the early 20th century.Born into a wealthy family with flower gardens, Karapet's life took a turn after the establishment of Soviet rule, when his family was dispossessed. Despite losing his fortune, he continued to spread joy by giving flowers to women on Astafyan Street (now Abovyan Street). He was particularly captivated by actress Arus Voskanyan, offering her a red rose daily.Tragedy struck when Karapet, consumed by jealousy, committed a crime and was imprisoned. Upon his release, he found his family gone and his livelihood destroyed. He became a forlorn figure, wandering the streets, still offering flowers. He eventually froze to death, alone and forgotten. The sculpture serves as a reminder of his story: a cautionary tale about love, obsession, and loss.Today, Kara Bala stands as a symbol of Yerevan's past and a reminder of the kindness and humanity that can be found even in the face of adversity. Visitors often leave flowers at the statue, honoring the memory of the "flower man" of Yerevan.