Rethinking Yerevan's touristic landscape through social and symbolic spaces

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34680/urbis-2024-4(1)-117-133

Narine Abgaryan
Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armeniа
[email protected]

ORCID: 0009-0008-2483-1120

Harutyun Vermishyan
Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armeniа
[email protected]

ORCID: 0000-0003-2464-0072

Mariam Mirzoyan
Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armenia
[email protected]
ORCID: 0009-0002-7210-5138

ABSTRACT

Urban spaces are complex environments shaped by diverse perspectives and representations. This study explores the relationship between language and space in Yerevan, aiming to enhance our understanding of the city's dynamics. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks from Victor Vakhshtayn, Henri Lefebvre, Kevin Lynch, Edward Glaeser, and David Seamon, the research examines how Yerevan is represented by tourists. Through thematic interviews with tour guides, analysis of tourist information leaflets, and document studies of “Inside Yerevan” maps, the study uncovers two primary challenges: geographical limitation and one-dimensional representation. To address these challenges, a multifaceted approach is proposed, including diversifying tour routes, integrating social and symbolic spaces in tour narratives, and promoting authentic local experiences. The “Inside Yerevan” map offers a promising solution by highlighting local favorites and lesser-known gems. Ultimately, by embracing diversity and authenticity, Yerevan can create a more sustainable tourism model that benefits both visitors and residents.

KEYWORDS: urban space, language-space relationship, touristic representations, social and symbolic spaces, tour narratives, authentic local experience.

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Information about the authors
Narine M. Abgaryan
PhD Student, Lecturer
Chair of Service, Faculty of Geography and Geology
Yerevan State University
1, Alex Manoogian St., Yerevan, 0025, Armenia
ORCID: 0009-0008-2483-1120
е-mail: [email protected]

Harutyun R. Vermishyan
PhD (Sociology),
Head of Chair of Theory and History of Sociology
Yerevan State University
1, Alex Manoogian St., Yerevan, 0025, Armenia
ORCID: 0000-0003-2464-0072
Scopus AuthorID: 57189257650
e-mail: [email protected]

Mariam Sh. Mirzoyan
Lecturer
Chair of Theory and History of Sociology
Yerevan State University
1, Alex Manoogian St., Yerevan, 0025, Armenia
ORCID: 0009-0002-7210-5138
e-mail: [email protected]

For citation:
Abgaryan, N., Vermishyan, H., & Mirzoyan, M. (2024). Rethinking Yerevan's touristic landscape through social and symbolic spaces. Urbis et Orbis. Microhistory and Semiotics of the City, 4(1), 117–133. https://doi.org/10.34680/urbis-2024-4(1)-117-133