Sad Reminder of December 7, 1988, Lest We Forget

With the memories of the tragedy still fresh in our minds, it is difficult to believe it has been 34 years since time was frozen on that early winter day in Armenia. Much has changed in our world since those dark days. Armenia and Artsakh were not yet independent states as the Soviet Union was in its final moments. The inspiring Karabakh liberation movement was in its early stages. Gyumri and Spitak, where the devastation was immense, today reflect significant signs of recovery. The town square of Gyumri is vibrant and lined with quaint shops. The main churches in the town center have been rebuilt as a symbol of our resilience. The blossoming IT industry is evident in the city as it enables viable professional options. New apartment complexes dot the landscape as the community attempts to leave the horrific losses to history, but stark reminders continue to haunt the leadership, residents and visitors. These reminders are called “domiks,” a Russian term meaning “little houses.” The earthquake occurred during the early days of winter in 1988. Bulk humanitarian aid began arriving in containers to assist in the short-term recovery efforts. With thousands left homeless, the empty metal shipping containers were the only plausible housing alternative for a community overwhelmed with the devastation. They are simply crude metal structures with no electrical wiring, plumbing or insulation, but they were the only option for those desperate for shelter. Originally, there were several thousands populating the empty lots of Gyumri and the surrounding communities. Over the last 30 years, the numbers have been reduced significantly, but there are still over 2,000 domiks in use. They exist on public land behind commercial buildings or in parks. Others exist in undesired areas such as abandoned factories from a bygone era. Essentially, these families, our brethren, live as squatters tolerated by the authorities because the alternative would be a homeless population. Efforts to reduce this tragedy are in place, but it is a slow journey. The domiks exist as a symbol of our national failure after 30 years.