Press releases

24 Jul 2019

BelTA, Armenpress to present photo exhibition about Spitak tragedy in Minsk

MINSK, 24 July (BelTA) – A photo exhibition titled Spitak Tragedy: Hindsight will open in the National History Museum in Minsk on 24 July, BelTA has learned.

On display will be over 30 photos made by photo journalists of BelTA and Armenpress during the 1988 Armenian earthquake also known as the Spitak earthquake. The photos will offer a flashback into this catastrophe and the response of the humankind, including Belarus, to the tragedy that befell the Armenian people.

The exposition Spitak Tragedy: Hindsight is a unique project, because the photos featured there have a great historical value. They remind us of that devastating natural disaster and the strong determination to overcome it.

The earthquake occurred on 7 December 1988. Within half a minute nearly all northern part of the country lay in ruins. More than 500,000 people lost their homes, about 40% of the Armenian industry was destroyed. The earthquake razed to the ground the city of Spitak and 58 villages; the cities of Leninakan (today’s Gyumri), Stepanavan and Kirovakan (today’s Vanadzor) and over 300 villages were damaged.

The help came from all over the Soviet Union and 113 countries, humanitarian organizations and private persons. Belarusians were also among them. From the very first day of the tragedy, they took part in rescue and restoration works. Many Armenian children came to Belarus for post-stress rehabilitation. Belarusian journalists exposed this tragedy to the country and the world.

The exhibition is organized with assistance from the Armenian Embassy and the National History Museum of Belarus.