SHIRAK — the name originates from one of the grandsons of Hayk Nahapet, the legendary forefather of the Armenian nation.
According to the Armenian historian Movses Khorenatsi, Shirak was known for his voracious appetite, and Hayk sent him north to live and work alone. Shirak chose a flat and open area for his settlement.
Based on this account, the Shirak region is one of the ancient centers of Armenian statehood and habitation, directly inheriting the legacy of Hayk’s lineage.

GYUMRI — the second largest city in Armenia.
Locals humorously say: "Yerevan is the capital of Armenia, but Gyumri is its father-city."
Throughout history, Gyumri has had several names: Kumayri, Alexandropol, and Leninakan.
It was founded thousands of years ago and is mentioned as a settlement as early as the Urartian period.
Gyumri is a city of arts, crafts, and heroes — a city of legends.