The Woman Who Inspired the “Mother Armenia” Monument Speaks

The Woman Who Inspired the “Mother Armenia” Monument Speaks

This is a special interview with Genia Vartanian, the woman whose image and spirit inspired the iconic Mother Armenia monument in Yerevan. She recalls the hidden story behind one of Armenia’s most powerful national symbols.

The Woman Who Inspired the “Mother Armenia” Monument Speaks

In the autumn of 1960, young Genia was walking with her mother in central Yerevan when an unexpected encounter changed her life forever. While waiting in a market queue, she noticed a man staring intensely at her. Feeling uncomfortable, she told her mother, who immediately left the shop with her.

Mother Armenia inspiration woman
Genia Vartanian – The Woman Behind Mother Armenia Inspiration

Ararat monument reference image
Yerevan Historical Reference Scene

Outside the shop, the man approached them and introduced himself. He was the famous sculptor Ara Harutyunyan, assigned to create a new monumental statue replacing Joseph Stalin’s monument in Yerevan.

He was searching for a woman who could represent motherhood, strength, and the spirit of Armenia. In Genia, he found exactly that image.

Decades later, Genia Vartanian, now elderly and living in Yerevan, revealed details of that extraordinary encounter.

She explained that her mother initially refused the idea, but the sculptor left his contact details, hoping she would reconsider.

Her brother, who knew the sculptor from the Terlemezian Art School, later encouraged the meeting. Soon, Genia visited the artist’s studio multiple times.

The sculptor was quiet and extremely focused. During the modeling sessions, he studied her expressions carefully, as if he could see her inner strength.

Mother Armenia sculpture inspiration
Artist’s Studio Sessions

In 1967, the Mother Armenia monument was finally unveiled. However, Genia kept her role as the model a secret for more than 40 years—even from her husband.

When she first saw the completed statue, she asked the sculptor why the face looked so strict and powerful. He replied: “This is the strength of Armenian women. This is what I saw in you.”

Genia Vartanian

Genia Vartanian home
Genia Vartanian’s Apartment in Yerevan

Now retired, she lives in Yerevan and often looks at the monument from her window. She says it gives her strength every day, reminding her of the power she never believed she had.

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✍ Prepared & Translated by: Haik Daniel
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