The statue of the world-famous French-Armenian chansonnier Charles Aznavour was unveiled on July 18 in Yerevan’s Charles Aznavour Square.

The entire funding for the construction and installation of the statue of the national hero of Armenia, the famous French-Armenian singer, chansonnier, poet, and public figure Charles Aznavour, entitled La Bohème, was provided by the Yerevan Municipality.

The statue is made of bronze, with other materials used as well, including marble and red enamel.

In his opening speech, Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan noted that the statue in Charles Aznavour Square symbolizes not only the memory of the great artist but also the contribution of the Armenian people to international cultural life.

“We considered it important to have his statue in this square, which is named after Aznavour, as a symbol of his constant presence in our city,” he said.

Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan highlighted that Aznavour’s life and work were based on love.

“Today, we have another opportunity to embody that love in the square named after Aznavour, which is primarily a cultural square: cinema, theater, fine arts,” she said.

According to Charles Aznavour’s son, Nicolas Aznavour, his father loved Armenia passionately.

“This love was expressed not only in words but also in actions. He believed in the strength and power of Armenia, its culture, and its future.

That is why he encouraged us, his family, to come and settle in Yerevan, so that we could continue his work, bring his ideals to life, and make them a reality,” said Nicolas Aznavour, adding that the statue erected in Yerevan belongs to the Armenian people and to all those around the world who loved and continue to love Aznavour.

He thanked Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan, sculptor David Minasyan, and all those who supported the realization of the project.

According to Olivier Decottignies, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Armenia, the statue of Aznavour in Yerevan symbolizes the unity of his two identities.

“Aznavour was both a Parisian and an Armenian. He liked to remind us that he was one hundred percent Armenian and one hundred percent French. We honor him in both the capitals of France and Armenia,” he said.

The honor of unveiling the statue was given to Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan and Aznavour’s son, Nicolas Aznavour.

The solemn ceremony was accompanied by Aznavour’s famous songs.