Greece is building at least three temporary bridges in the flood-stricken regions of Armenia after the country asked for EU help to rebuild its infrastructure.
A severe flash flood struck the Lori and Tavush regions in Armenia on 26 May 2024, following heavy rain the previous day. The flooding affected at least 15 villages and resulted in significant damage to infrastructure, homes, livestock and businesses.
Greece responded to Armenia’s call for help by dispatching a team of military engineers to construct Bailey bridges in the region.
The first bridge was installed in the village of Karkop (on the Debed River) and the second in the village of Hobardzi (on the small Gargar River). The third bridge is expected to be installed in the village of Ayrum, on the Debed River.
Greece constructs bridges near Armenia’s Greek community
The presence of a Greek community in this region of Armenia dates back to the 19th century, especially in the small town of Alaverdi, which today is the center of the Greek community.
Many ethnic Greeks settled in Alaverdi, primarily during the Russian Empire’s rule over the region. These Greek families were often involved in mining and metallurgy, drawn to the area by its significant copper reserves and the development of mining infrastructure.
Though the Greek population in Alaverdi has declined due to migration and economic challenges, a significant number of ethnic Greeks still live there. They maintain their traditions, culture and language through community activities, and there are Greek cultural organizations in the area.
Greece and Armenia share deep-rooted historical ties
Greece and Armenia share deep-rooted historical ties that date back centuries. These connections are built on shared cultural, religious and historical experiences, which have fostered a sense of solidarity between the two nations.
Both nations were among the earliest adopters of Christianity. Armenia became the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 CE, while the Byzantine Empire, with its Greek cultural core, played a pivotal role in spreading and institutionalizing Christianity. This shared faith has been a cornerstone of their relationship.
Under Ottoman rule, both Greeks and Armenians faced persecution as Christian minorities. This culminated in atrocities such as the Armenian Genocide (1915-1923) and the Pontic Greek Genocide, events that have left lasting scars on both communities. These shared experiences of suffering have fostered mutual empathy and support.
What is a Bailey bridge?
A Bailey bridge is a type of portable, pre-fabricated, truss bridge. It was developed in 1940–1941 by the British for military use during the Second World War and saw extensive use by British, Canadian and American military engineering units.
A Bailey bridge has the advantage of requiring no special tools or heavy equipment to assemble. The wood and steel bridge elements are small and light enough to be carried in trucks and lifted into place by hand, without the use of a crane. These bridges were strong enough to carry tanks.
Bailey bridges continue to be used extensively in civil engineering construction projects and to provide temporary crossings for pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
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