The monument was officially opened in 1996, seven years after the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan.
The island on which the monument stands is connected to the shore by a single pedestrian bridge.
The angel figure is intentionally designed to appear as if it is weeping, symbolizing the sorrow of the mothers of fallen soldiers.
Inside the memorial chapel, the walls are inscribed with the names of over 700 Belarusian soldiers who died in the Afghan conflict.
The island features a sculpture of a female figure mourning near the entrance, representing the collective grief of Belarusian women.
The Angel Cry, or Plachushchiy Angel, is a poignant sculptural installation located near the Svislach River in Minsk. It serves as a memorial monument dedicated to the Belarusian soldiers who died during the Soviet–Afghan War from 1979 to 1989. The bronze sculpture depicts a weeping angel figure standing amidst architectural elements that symbolize the grief of mothers and families. The monument is situated on a small, artificial island often referred to as the Island of Tears. Visitors reach the site by walking across a small pedestrian bridge, frequently referred to as the Gorbaty (Humpbacked) bridge. The site is characterized by its solemn atmosphere and historical significance regarding late-20th-century military history. It remains one of the most recognized commemorative sites in the city center.
From the pedestrian bridge looking toward the angel statue to frame both the sculpture and the river background.
Visit during the early morning or evening to experience the site's intended solemn and quiet atmosphere.
Walk around the entire perimeter of the small island to see the architectural details from different angles.
Carry tissues if you are sensitive to poignant memorial sites, as the atmosphere is intentionally heavy.
Treating the site as a casual recreational park; it is a sacred memorial for many local families.
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor as this is a memorial site; refrain from loud talking or eating.
