The Eternal Flame Armenian Genocide Memorial, London

The Armenian Community of Ealing, London, is the largest Armenian community in the United Kingdom. In early 2010s, British Armenians lobbied Ealing Council for official recognition of the Armenian Genocide and a memorial to the 1.5 million victims. On December 14, 2010, Ealing Council voted to officially and formally recognise the Armenian Genocide by the Ottoman Turks, a first in England. Additionally, they gave permission to plant an Apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca) from Armenia, with a memorial plaque, on Ealing Green (also the first in England in a public place) in memory of the victims.

Later, the Armenian community again petitioned the Ealing Council to support the erection of a Khachkar (Armenian Cross Stone). A Khachkar is a monument that reflects Armenian culture, tradition, and religion, and is made of volcanic rock called red tufa. Khachkars are elaborately carved with crosses, floral patterns, and geometric designs. They are masterpieces of art and architecture, often placed at the entrances to villages and towns to protect them from harm.

The Eternal Flame Khatchkar was commissioned by the Armenian Community and sculpted in Armenia as a memorial to commemorate the victims of the Armenian genocide between 1915 and 1923. The Eternal Flame represents the Armenian spirit, which will never be extinguished.

Special thanks to the Armenian Community Council UK

Group: Monumental Building

Type: Monument

Century: 21st century

Geography: London, United Kingdom

Latitude: 51.511600349588, Longitude: -0.30585099050499

Alternative names: The Eternal Flame Khachkar

Contributed by: Armenian Heritage