Top 10 Stories of 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on the stories that defined the year. These are the stories that captured the most attention, sparked conversations, and resonated deeply with our readers at The Armenian Report. From the most-read and shared to the most-discussed and celebrated, here are the top 10 stories of 2024 that shaped our year together.
Top 10 Stories List: (Can you guess which story made it to #1?)
“The Other Side of the Medal," Armenia's first sports drama, premiered in Yerevan, marking a significant milestone in Armenian cinema. The film portrays the inspiring true story of Nazik Avdalyan, a renowned Armenian weightlifter who overcame severe challenges to become a double world and European champion.
This was the first time ever we covered the premiere of a sports drama in Armenia – and the film did not disappoint!
For a visual glimpse into the film, you can watch the premiere coverage below:
Exploring the top baby names was a big hit for our readers! Can you guess what the #1 baby boy and girl names were?
At the 2024 Grammy Awards, singer Dawn Richard stunned in a striking red "Arboreal" gown by Armenian designer Khosrov. The intricate dress, adorned with 1,200 handcrafted leaves, showcased Armenian craftsmanship on a global stage, earning widespread attention.
In March 2024, Azerbaijan demolished the National Assembly building of Artsakh in Stepanakert, a significant symbol of the region's Armenian heritage. This act is part of a broader pattern of cultural erasure, including the dismantling of Armenian monuments and historical sites in Nagorno-Karabakh.
In December 2024, Armenian-American developers Garen Gozumian and Hrach Boyajian, partners at Butterfly Gardens LLC, received a racist email in Burbank, California, stating, "You aren't welcome here. This is why the f---ing Turks slaughtered all you vermin."
In 2024, Armenian businessman Gagik Tsarukyan announced plans to construct a monumental statue of Jesus Christ on Mount Hatis, near Yerevan. The statue is intended to stand 77 meters tall, surpassing the height of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer. Tsarukyan envisions this project as a new wonder of the world, aiming to symbolize hope and progress for Armenia.
Armenia proudly participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics with a team of 15 athletes across seven sports disciplines. This was the nation's seventh consecutive appearance at the Summer Games.
Brock Purdy, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, made history as the first quarterback of Armenian descent to play in the Super Bowl. Selected as the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy, often referred to as "Mr. Irrelevant," defied expectations by leading the 49ers to Super Bowl LVIII.
The moment we saw this viral wedding video, we immediately reached out to the bride, Michelle Alacon Krakirian, for an exclusive interview. We were the first outlet to speak with her and uncover all the insider details—from how she learned the vows to what happened on the wedding day.
This story held a special place for our Editor-in-Chief, Anna Kachikyan, as a diaspora Armenian. She knew this interview and video would resonate deeply with diaspora Armenians around the world. It became a beautiful symbol of unity and mutual respect between cultures.
Diana Ghzroyan became the first transgender woman to represent Armenia in an international transgender beauty pageant. Competing at Miss Star International in São Paulo, Brazil, Diana used her platform to bring visibility to Armenia's LGBTQ+ community. Her participation sparked both widespread support and heated debates.
