Gai, Memorial statue in Nor Nork district, Yerevan, Armenia

The Gai monument in Nor Nork, Yerevan, is an equestrian statue of Hayk Bzhishkyan, sculpted by Suren Nazaryan with architect Sarkis Gurzadyan. Cast in bronze using Ukrainian technology with master founders from Kyiv, including Vitaliy Likhovidsky, it stands 12.5 metres with its pedestal and weighs 30 tonnes. It is the world's largest and tallest equestrian statue balanced on two legs. Reliefs on the adjacent wall depict episodes of the Iron Division.

The memorial was inaugurated on February 18, 1977, during a period when the Soviet system emphasized the creation of monumental works. This era saw the construction of numerous artistic projects designed to reflect national values and artistic development.

The monument honours Hayk Bzhishkyan, known as Gai, a Soviet military commander born in Armenia. A bas-relief on the wall beside the statue depicts scenes from the heroics of the "Iron Division", the unit he led. The memorial stands opposite Nansen Park in Nor Nork.

The memorial sits on Gai Avenue, a main road connecting different parts of Nor Nork and the wider city, making it readily accessible. You can approach and view the monument from the street without restrictions and at any time of day.

The bronze equestrian statue weighs 30 tonnes and stands 12.5 metres with its pedestal, resting on only two legs. It was cast using Ukrainian technology, with master founders from Kyiv, among them Vitaliy Lykhovydskyi, working alongside the Armenian sculptor Suren Nazaryan.