Armenian Genocide Memorial, Larnaca

The Armenian Genocide Memorial in Larnaca stands as a solemn tribute to the victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923. Located on the Larnaca seafront, it marks the very spot where thousands of Armenian refugees fleeing the atrocities first landed in Cyprus. This location, adjacent to the Larnaca Marina entrance, is not just a memorial but also a symbol of the enduring gratitude of the Armenian people towards the people of Cyprus for their generosity and assistance during those dark times.The memorial was a collaborative effort between the governments of Cyprus and Armenia, initiated by Bedros Kalaydjian, a representative of the Armenian community in Cyprus. The design, created by architect and town planner Angelos Demetriou with assistance from architect Michael Thrassou, features a bronze monument reminiscent of a phoenix rising from ashes, symbolizing rebirth and resilience. Surrounding the monument are rows of pomegranate and cypress trees, with four granite plaques at the base inscribed in Greek, English, Armenian, and Turkish. The monument was sculpted by Greek artist Georgios Kalakallas.The square in front of the memorial, funded by the Kalaydjian Foundation, seamlessly connects the memorial to Larnaca's main promenade. The foundation stone was laid on November 24, 2006, by then-Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, and the memorial was officially unveiled on May 28, 2008, by Cypriot President Demetris Christofias. The memorial serves as a place of remembrance and reflection, honoring the countless lives lost during the genocide and celebrating the resilience of the Armenian spirit.