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earthquake

earthquake

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Haykuhi has been working as a tailor for almost 50 years. Photo: Nellie Petrossian/OC Media
1988 Spitak Earthquake

Life after an earthquake: a tailor’s story 

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In 1988, an earthquake devastated northern Armenia, destroying towns and cities and killing at least 25,000. In Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city, the impacts of the tragedy are still felt by Haykuhi Galstyan and her husband over 30 years later. Haykuhi Galstyan is nothing if not resilient. With an energy belying her age, the 63-year-old runs a bustling tailor’s workshop from the small home she shares with her husband, Volodya Sargsyan. Cheerful and hard-working, Galstyan gives no ind

The two faces of Gyumri
Armenia

The two faces of Gyumri

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The devastating earthquake of 1988 has left a lasting mark on Armenia’s second city. Despite reconstruction projects, Gyumri’s ‘temporary’, dilapidated trailers are still home to thousands. As these families remain unable to break the cycle of poverty — the city centre is receiving an expensive facelift. Living in squalor Nine square metres of living space, no toilet, semi-dilapidated walls, and a roof — the Grigoryan family’s house is like 3,000 others in Gyumri erected after the ear

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