The Yerevan City Council has officially approved the renaming of Leningradyan Street in honor of Kirk Kerkorian, the Armenian-American businessman, philanthropist, & National Hero of Armenia. The decision passed with 37 votes in favor, 2 against, & 18 abstentions during the council’s meeting on Oct. 23.
The proposal was authored by the Republic faction, part of the City Council’s ruling Civil Contract alliance. According to the official justification, the current name “Leningradyan” reflects the Soviet past, & even Russia no longer uses the name “Leningrad” since the city reverted to “St. Petersburg.”
The proposal is guided by Article 12, Part 1, Clause 23 of the Law on Local Self-Government in Yerevan & Clause 4 of the appendix to Government Resolution No. 2387-N, dated Dec. 29, 2005. The resolution states that Leningradyan Street, located in the Ajapnyak & Malatia-Sebastia districts of Yerevan, extending from the Hrazdan Grand Bridge to the intersection of Sebastia & G. Hasratyan Streets, will be renamed “Kirk Kerkorian Street.”
During the discussion, several council factions expressed their views on the motion. Members of the Mother Armenia faction abstained, calling the decision political, while Civil Contract & Public Voice representatives voiced their support, emphasizing the importance of honoring national benefactors.
Kirk Kerkorian, a self-made billionaire & one of the most prominent Armenian figures in the United States, made an indelible mark on both Las Vegas & Armenia. Through his Lincy Foundation, established in 1989, Kerkorian donated more than $1 billion to support Armenia, focusing heavily on post-earthquake reconstruction & economic development following the 1988 Spitak earthquake.
In recognition of his contributions, Armenia awarded Kerkorian the title of National Hero in the early 2000s, the country’s highest state honor. Kerkorian passed away in 2015 at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy of philanthropy, innovation & unwavering devotion to his Armenian heritage.
