Armenian oligarch Hagik Tsarukyan has begun construction of the world’s largest statue of Jesus Christ, standing 101 metres tall on Mount Khatis, a move that has provoked mixed reactions among the public.
- Gagik Tsarukyan is building the world’s largest statue of Jesus.
- The statue will be 101 metres tall and will be situated on Mount Khatis.
- The Armenian Apostolic Church opposes the project.
- There are plans to build Noah’s Ark next to the monument.
- The project has sparked a debate between tourism advocates and those who champion tradition.
The world’s largest statue of Jesus
Gagik Tsarukyan, a well-known Armenian businessman and politician, decided to build the world’s largest statue Jesus Christ. The 101-metre-high monument is to be erected on Mount Khatis, located approximately 25 kilometres from Yerevan. According to Tsarukyan’s vision, the statue will become a new symbol of Armenia and attract tourists from all over the world. This was reported reports publication The Guardian.
«We are the oldest Christian nation in the world. It is only logical that we should have the largest statue of Jesus,» said Tsarukyan.
From a private zoo to a magnificent monument
Gagik Tsarukyan is known not only for his businesses in the gambling and mining sectors, but also for his luxurious residence near Yerevan, which features a private zoo. However, despite his political party’s poor performance in the recent elections, he believes that religious projects, in particular the statue of Jesus, will be his main legacy.
The Church and environmentalists are opposed to
The idea of erecting the statue has met with a mixed reaction. The Armenian Apostolic Church has repeatedly spoken out against the project, pointing out that traditional Armenian Christian culture is expressed through monasteries and churches, rather than through giant statues. Environmental organisations have also warned of potential damage to the natural landscape of Mount Khatis.
Tsarukyan insists that he maintains good relations with the clergy and has already funded the construction of eight churches in Armenia.
Noah’s Ark will appear nearby
Statue of Jesus — is just part of the businessman’s ambitious plan. Alongside the monument, there are plans to build a giant Noah’s Ark, which will be 134 metres long. Inside, there will be a museum, a hotel and a café for tourists. Tsarukyan hopes that the complex will become an international tourist attraction.
Why it matters
The project for the world’s largest statue of Jesus has become a symbol of the dispute between supporters of large-scale investment in tourism and defenders of Armenia’s historical and religious traditions. If construction is completed, the monument could become one of the most famous landmarks in the Caucasus.
