The monument's central sculptural element is shaped like a cargo compartment of an An-12 transport aircraft.
The name 'Black Tulip' serves as a grim metaphor for the death-transport flights that operated during the ten-year Afghan conflict.
It is one of the most prominent examples of post-Soviet monumental art in the Urals region.
The monument was expanded over time to include names of soldiers lost in other conflicts, including the Chechen wars.
Sculptor Konstantin Grunberg also designed the nearby monument to the 'Victims of Political Repression'.
Chernyy Tyul'pan is a dedicated war memorial in Yekaterinburg commemorating the Soviet soldiers who died in the Soviet-Afghan War. The center of the monument features a stylized depiction of a Black Tulip, the nickname given to the aircraft that transported the bodies of fallen soldiers back home. Surrounding the central structure are metal steles inscribed with the names of Sverdlovsk Oblast residents who perished in the conflict. Designed by architect Georgy Petrovich and sculptor Konstantin Grunberg, the memorial was officially unveiled in 1995. The site serves as a central hub for annual commemorative ceremonies held on February 15, the anniversary of the final Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. It is located at the intersection of Ulitsa Mamina-Sibiryaka and Ulitsa Sovetskaya. The memorial also includes references to later military conflicts, reflecting the expansion of its commemorative scope.
Directly in front of the central 'Black Tulip' sculpture for the most distinct perspective.
Visit during the early morning hours to avoid urban noise and crowds.
Walk the perimeter of the steles to see the individual engravings of those honored.
The memorial is open-air, so ensure you check local weather conditions for the Urals before arrival.
Avoid loud conversations or disruptive behavior, as it is a place of mourning.
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor; refrain from climbing on the structure.
