How Armenia is partying its way to a revolution
- Text by Ian McNaught Davis
- Photography by Ian McNaught Davis
On April 17 this year, Serzh Sargsyan was declared prime minister of Armenia. He was given the role just one day after stepping down as president – a position which he had held in the country for the maximum limit of 10 years.
The switch in job titles prompted mass demonstrations in the capital of Yerevan. The protests – which were sparked by the leader of the opposition party, Nikol Pashinyan – saw Armenians unite against the pro-Putin Sargsyan through peaceful marches, street parties and civil disobedience.
From April 17 to April 23, Yerevan was soundtracked by a continual cacophony of drawling vuvuzelas and blaring car hooters. Protesters, many of whom were in their late teens and early 20s, danced in the streets while calling for Sargsyan’s retirement. “This is the sound of revolution!” yelled Hrach, a student and protestor.
If the sound of revolution emulated a city in post-World Cup victory ecstasy, the sights resembled a flash mob. Protesters perpetually walked back and forth on pedestrian crossings to disrupt traffic – turning Yerevan into a gridlocked maze of marching, dancing and singing.
The demonstrations have proven – at least for the time being – to be a success. On April 23, Sargasyan stepped down from the role. “Nikol Pashinyan was right. I was wrong,” he said in the statement. “The struggle in the streets is against my tenure. I’m fulfilling your demand.”
“The dictatorship is gone!” Gagik Baghramyan, a businessman from Yerevan, told Huck as the news broke. “This is a day that every Armenian will remember for the rest of their lives.”
With the announcement of Armenia’s next prime minister on May 8, it’s likely that Nikol Pashinyan – the leader of the colourful and effective protests – will become prime minister. If this happens, the peaceful demonstrations will have resulted in a revolution in the true sense of the word.
“There is still a lot to do – but the most important step has already been made,” added Baghramyan. “We won – with our unity and our open hands raised above our heads. Love won! Kindness won!”
Follow Ian McNaught-Davis on Twitter.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
The art of paying attention: How Austria’s Alps reward slowing down
Lebensgefühl — With a growing movement of art and music rooted in the area’s mountains, trees and waterfalls, the region is showcasing the importance of the human relationship to nature.
Written by: Sophie Lou Wilson
Grainy, yearning memories of Europe’s ’90s free rave heyday
Never Alone — A new photobook from Cheyenne Clementi and Valentina Morandi presents pictures they made over seven years while touring the continent as part of the Tekno Mobil Squad soundsystem crew. It archives parties, people and a lifestyle largely consigned to the past.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Inside the searing, strangely wholesome world of competitive chilli eating
Red hot — Exploding out of pandemic-era isolation, a growing community of chilliheads are competing across the globe, devouring millions of Scoville units and fighting off agonising capsaicin cramps in the process. Hannah Bentley speaks to some of the scene’s key figures to find out why.
Written by: Hannah Bentley
As Hanoi’s nightlife faces raids & repression, its underground scene modulates
Spaces Between the Beats — Tensions between nightlife and authorities have grown in recent times, as police target venues and their patrons with increasingly frequent drug testing and searches. With clubs becoming hostile spaces as a result, Hanoi’s electronic music community is finding new spaces and forms of expression, reports Martin Guttridge-Hewitt.
Written by: Martin Guttridge-Hewitt
Queer resistance & sun-soaked solidarity at the world’s largest trans pride march
Our Future, Our Fight — Over the weekend, over 150,000 people marched at the London Trans+ Pride, with the parade ending at Trafalgar Square for the first time in history.
Written by: Ella Glossop
In photos: Black Texas life since emancipation
Kinship & Community — A new photobook and exhibition showcases the rich culture, history and community of African American folks in the Lone Star State, whose existence in the region predates colonial Britain.
Written by: Miss Rosen
