Today’s Yerevan: Dust, Chaos, and Indifference
Yerevan — one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities — is in crisis.
Instead of urban renewal, its citizens wake up to:
• Unbreathable air
• Never-ending traffic
• Relentless, disorganized construction
• And a growing sense that the city is being looted, not governed.
What happened to the Yerevan we loved — the one that inspired poets, architects, and dreamers?
Dust as a Symbol of Collapse
In the summer of 2025, dust levels in Yerevan exceed health norms by 4–5 times. This isn’t natural — it’s political.
It’s caused by:
• Construction sites with zero dust control
• Neglected green spaces and no street cleaning
• Demolition of old buildings with no public safety measures
• And a total lack of enforcement by city authorities
Traffic as a Symptom of Greed
Yerevan is choking in its own streets. But it’s not just because of more cars.
It’s about:
• Random high-rise developments with no traffic planning
• Outdated and ignored public transport strategies
• Green areas turned into concrete parking lots
• And the fact that every square meter is being sold off — with no thought for livability
Construction Corruption: Who Benefits?
Building permits for high-rises are handed out like candy — without transparency or accountability.
Who gets them?
• Developers connected to officials
• Companies tied to current or former government insiders
• Investors who know which hands to shake behind closed doors
Every new skyscraper in the wrong place isn’t growth — it’s a quiet deal.
The Disappearance of History
Old Yerevan is vanishing.
• Historic homes are demolished at night
• Landmarks are “renovated” beyond recognition
• Ancient districts are replaced by faceless blocks
The city is losing its soul — while developers grow richer.
What About Mayor Tigran Avinyan?
Since 2023, Yerevan’s mayor is Tigran Avinyan, former deputy PM and close ally of Nikol Pashinyan.
He promised:
• A “Green Yerevan”
• “Equal rules for all”
• “A civilized, livable city”
What we got:
• Trees cut down by the hundreds
• Wild construction on every block
• Zero public engagement
• And polished social media posts — instead of real reforms
Mayor Avinyan says he’s doing his best.
But the city says otherwise.
Conclusion
Yerevan isn’t just covered in dust —
It’s buried in irresponsibility, silence, and backdoor deals.
If the mayor doesn’t see the dust — he breathes different air.
If he’s never stuck in traffic — he lives in another city.
So the real question is:
Who is Yerevan being managed for? The people? Or the developers and their political sponsors?
By Lida Nalbandyan, Founder and CEO of Octopus Media Group