Manifestations of Ancient and Medieval Armenian Ornamentation in the Architecture of Armenia of the Soviet Period

Abstract

The rich artistic and architectural heritage of Armenia, spanning ancient, medieval, and new periods, is renowned for its intricate ornamentation and symbolic motifs that reflect the nation’s cultural, religious, and historical identity. Throughout Armenia’s history, these ornamental traditions have been preserved and adapted from century to century, influencing various forms of artistic expression, including architecture. The ornamentation (ornamental patterns) and decoration (constructive elements) were widely used and occupied a large place in Soviet-Armenian architecture, having an important stylistic, compositional, and epistemological-cognitive value and significance. Therefore, the study of the ornamentation and individual architectural details that play an important role in the artistic expression of Armenian architectural structures of the Soviet period is noteworthy, especially since Soviet-Armenian architecture was the creative forge of the revival of Armenian national architecture, one of the important features of which is the unveiling of its aesthetic issues. Thus, presented article explores the manifestations of Armenian ornamentation within the architectural landscape of the Soviet period in Armenia. It examines how traditional Armenian decorative motifs were integrated, adapted, or transformed in Soviet-era architecture, reflecting a subtle relationship between national cultural identity and Soviet ideological influences. Through presentation and analysis of different architectural examples and ornamental patterns, this article highlights the persistence and evolution of Armenian architectural heritage amid socio-political shifts, offering insights into the cultural resilience and identity expression during Soviet era (1920-1990s).