City of Angels (Beslan)

The cemetery known as the City of Angels was created in 2005 after the Beslan school siege on 1–3 September 2004, one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in modern Russian history. More than 334 people were killed The name City of Angels emerged from the large number of children among the victims and was widely adopted in public discourse and commemorative events dedicated to the tragedy. The cemetery became one of the most recognizable symbols of remembrance associated with the Beslan attack. == Design and memorial elements ==

The cemetery forms part of a broader memorial complex dedicated to the victims of the Beslan siege. Each grave is marked with a uniform headstone bearing the victim’s name and portrait, reflecting the intention to commemorate the victims collectively while preserving their individual identities. One of the central monuments on the site is the sculpture Tree of Sorrow which commemorates the victims of the attack. The monument depicts four female figures raising their arms toward the sky, forming the trunk and branches of a symbolic tree. The sculpture represents grief and mourning shared by families of the victims and by the broader community. The khachkar, a traditional Armenian cross-stone monument, symbolizes solidarity and remembrance and reflects the international response to the tragedy. To the left of the cross carved on the khachkar stands a small drinking fountain. At its base are sculptures of children holding out cups, accompanied by the inscription: "We beg you, give the children water". The monument depicts a military cloak spread on the ground, with a helmet and body armor placed on top of it. Beneath them lie a children's toy and a book. The inscription on the granite slab reads: "You are forever in the heart of Beslan, the men who shielded children with your hearts". == Memorial complex ==

The necropolis is part of the larger memorial complex known as the City of Angels, which has been designated a cultural heritage site of regional significance in the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania. In addition to the cemetery itself, the memorial complex includes the preserved building of School No. 1 where the siege took place, a sports hall, and commemorative plaques listing the names of those killed during the attack. The site also contains a monument to the fallen spetsnaz commander and the Orthodox Church of the New Martyrs of Russia. Each year on the anniversary of the attack, memorial ceremonies are held at the cemetery. Relatives of the victims, survivors, and officials gather at the site to lay flowers and observe moments of silence in remembrance of those who died in the siege. == Gallery ==

File:Gorod angelov6.jpg|Khachkar donated by children of Armenia File:Gorod angelov1.jpg|Monument to fallen Spetsnaz|spetsnaz soldiers File:Gorod angelov12.jpg|Graves of the victims == References ==