Gyumri, the capital of Armenia's Shirak region and the country's second-largest city, was historically known for its culture and architectural heritage. While it was part of the Soviet Union, the city hosted many factories that turned it into a primary industrial center in the region, reaching a population of approximately 225,000 people. However, during the past decades, Gyumri has seen a considerable population decline as a consequence of a devastating earthquake that destroyed the city in 1988 and killed thousands of people. More than 30 years later, Gyumri's regeneration process is still unfolding. The city's ongoing efforts to restore its built environment and boost economic development offer valuable insights into how urban regeneration can be navigated in the aftermath of disaster.
On December 7, 1988, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Armenia, with Gyumri (then called Leninakan) being one of the hardest-hit areas. The earthquake, which lasted less than a minute, left an estimated 25,000 people dead, thousands homeless, and widespread destruction that affected most of the city's urban fabric. Gyumri's residential buildings, schools, and infrastructure were severely damaged, while the collapse of the city's historical landmarks, including churches and public buildings, significantly impacted its cultural identity.
