The Dispossession of Vardavar Park

Despite the fact that the authorities consistently claim they are fighting corruption and reclaiming public spaces and parks, residents of Yerevan continue to be deprived of many public areas In this short investigation, we present the story of the loss of one of Yerevan’s most cherished parks—Vardavar Park and its adjacent lake.

Since 2009, Vardavar Park and the lake, spanning 18 hectares, have effectively been under the control of former MP Mher Sedrakyan and his family.
The Sedrakyan family leased the public land for 99 years, paying only 51,580 AMD per month, and went on to privatize vast portions of it either at symbolic prices or entirely free of charge.

Scroll down to see, through images and facts, how this beautiful lake and park were taken from the people of Yerevan.

This investigation was prepared within the framework of the “Youth Against Corruption” program, implemented by the For Equal Rights Educational Center NGO, as part of the “Integrity Armenia” initiative, with the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The content of this investigation is the sole responsibility of the For Equal Rights Educational Center NGO and does not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the Government of the United States.