“Only Hope Is Self-Organization”: When Downtown Yerevan Makes Sense

Thanks to the sit-in protest on Baghramyan Avenue, downtown Yerevan has found a new meaning, it has become ennobled; and today, this demonstration is the most interesting thing about Armenia, Ashot Bleyan, director of “Mkhitar Sebastatsi” Educational Complex, said in an interview with Epress.am. 

Bleyan highly praised the self-organization of the protest, stressing that, for example, during the movement in [19]88, people had an irresponsible attitude towards self-organization.

“Self-organization, self-management is an alternative to the hierarchical system in which we grew up. These tools are used very rarely. [The sit-in on central Yerevan avenue] is a very interesting and experimental approach; it's a good space. It really is a center, which should be highly appreciated,” Bleyan said. 

Writer, publicist Vahram Martirosyan believes that the sit-in can already be considered a success, regardless of whether the demonstrators reach their goal of reducing the electricity rates. 

“Because the most advanced layer of society – I call them Internet generation and remains of jeans generation, which have not merged with bourgeoisie or bureaucrats – have found each other and felt each other's strength. This power will subsequently find new ways of expression and will give results,” Martirosyan said. 

Nazareth Karoyan, art critic, director of Armenian Institute for Contemporary Art, stated there's presently a kind of obscurity on Baghramyan Avenue. According to the art critic, efforts are needed to give boost to the thematic groups forming daily.

“Groups must be functional, and as for the discussions, they are in a completely horizontal state. I am concerned about the level of efficiency of our groups. There are 2-3 teams working really efficiently. However, there are others that I'm not sure of. Only time can tell.”

At this stage, Karoyan added, he assessed the situation negatively: “I think we have lost the peak to bolster our achievements. And there really are huge achievements. Now my only hope is self-organization, which will allow to make some generalizations.”