I had a recent idea to start doing focused projects based on the individual districts on Yerevan. Little photography and video explorations that show some of the differences of each one. Ranging from the remaining history and architecture to the ways in which the locals live. Yerevan is small, but each district is distinct. They're each massively different and that's probably a result of the Soviet Union and how these districts were formed. Some were far more industrial than others. Some were more focused on admin more than anything else. You get the general idea. This little project came to me out of nowhere while I was walking around. It excited me that I had finally found some new ideas that I hadn't quite seen here before from others. And at this point I probably do know a bit more about these districts than most.
I figured I would start with the district I've been living in: Arabkir. This district was one of the more industrial ones. Massive factory spaces that have largely been demolished and built on in recent years. Though some of the more unique architecture of Yerevan remains in the more admin and university buildings. It's a really unique district given many of the government and education buildings are much larger than elsewhere in the city. Likely a result of many coming into creation through the 70s and 80s, whereas the rest of the city would've seen their buildings going as far back as the 30s and 40s as the city developed and industrialised. For example, in the south of the city there's an incredibly old industrial zone, and those factories are built in such a different manner that their age is more apparent.
I wanted to capture some of the buildings and life that I had otherwise missed from previous explorations. One unique discovery was seeing a group of kids on the rooftop of what I soon discovered to be a beautiful abandoned Soviet era school. I saw how they got into the building, and really wanted to follow their steps. Though as they climbed towers and threw bits of material off the rooftop, with many people overlooking, I saw this wouldn't be a good idea that time. Later I caught them on their way out, and told them that the general urbex rule is don't damage or steal, and stay out of view. Otherwise these historical locations get ruined by vandalism, and inevitably fully boarded up and demolished; a sad outcome that only increases the rapid loss of such buildings rather than their reconstruction. They seemed to have understood. Though the whole thing made me feel a bit sad at how the few remaining abandoned buildings are just taking a beating and losing more of their pasts.
Even in the centre, there are tall buildings which are mostly ignored still. Much bigger, beautiful Soviet era admin buildings which you can see are mostly empty. Many floors that are so high that you can see them down in the city centre. Their windows are visible and there's clearly nothing inside. Though some governmental departments are inside. This is actually where I registered my business, and it was so hard to keep the camera to my side, wanting to start snapping that beautiful 70s interior that was in such good condition. Within a building next to it is now a book shop and cafe, with a huge 80s era cosmonaut mosaic that bends around the wall. So much history remains within these buildings, so much of it tucked away and barely noticed unless you walk inside. Again, a reference to that school and how quickly things change. And a reason as to why I want to pursue this project of detailing the differences of each district as they develop and modernise in some depressing ways.
Perhaps this is also inspired by a recent brief conversation I had with some locals, which claimed that there was no history nearby. To me I saw plenty. To me I saw the differences in culture from both the past and within the present. I saw how people lived within such old and unique spaces. I saw the generational families and designs. The gradual changing of time within them. Old cars with flat tires that spoke of deceased owners, left to collect dust within the courtyards. The Nardi playing elderly men nearby. The redevelopment of those old courtyards and parks mixed with the remaining historical elements. Concrete jungles of the Soviet era.
It’s a good project. And I believe it’s greatly enriched by your perspective—by what you experience as you visit those places. Urban exploration is something not everyone fully understands, for whatever reason. But I also think it’s part of the dynamic of our history: we are, essentially, vandals and conquerors—aren’t we? Unless we evolve.
The only downside to now thinking of this concept is that the sun sets soooo early! So I'm much more limited in the times I can shoot in. Golden hour around 6pm, still some beautiful light but after that it's basically pointless with how dark the courtyards and streets away from main roads become.
Also really trying to save up some money despite all the expenses at the moment so buy an FX30 for video work. Really want to transition back into that a bit more. I am more a video person than a stills person despite the endless photography posts. I'd love a Sony FX3 but the price on that is a bit too steep at the moment.