Gyumri is an urban municipal community located in the northwestern part of Armenia. It serves as the administrative center of the Shirak Province and holds the distinction of being the second-largest city in the country.
Historically known as Alexandropol by the end of the 19th century, the city was once the largest urban center in Russian-ruled Eastern Armenia, surpassing the population of Yerevan at that time. It is recognized for its significance as a major hub for Russian troops during the Russo-Turkish wars of the 19th century and has since become a notable cultural center.