An Armenian tycoon has a private zoo. Now he wants the world’s biggest Jesus statue
Gagik Tsarukyan hopes project will resonate with global movement that blends religious faith, nationalism and cultural conservatism
TL;DR
- Gagik Tsarukyan, a wealthy Armenian businessman and politician, is building the world's tallest Jesus Christ statue.
- The 101-metre statue will overlook Yerevan and is intended to become Armenia's 'calling card' and a major tourist attraction.
- Tsarukyan believes the project aligns with a global trend blending religious faith, nationalism, and cultural conservatism.
- The Armenian Apostolic church opposes the project, preferring traditional religious structures over colossal statues.
- Environmentalists have raised concerns about the potential damage to Hatis mountain's natural landscape.
- Tsarukyan has a history of lavish displays of wealth, including a private zoo with exotic animals.
- His political party recently failed to meet the threshold for parliamentary representation, and he faces tax-related charges.
- Tsarukyan also plans to build a giant Noah's Ark attraction nearby.
- The statue's construction has faced logistical challenges, with parts being transported by truck and assembled on-site.
- Public opinion on the statue is divided, with some seeing it as a source of national pride and others as 'crass'.