Shengavit is one of the highly industrialized districts of Yerevan with many large plants and factories.

The area of modern-day Shengavit has been populated since at least 3200 BC, during the period of Kura–Araxes culture of the Early Bronze Age.

The archaeological site of Karmir Blur dates back to the first half of the 7th century BC.

After the Sovietization of Armenia, the administrative area of Erivan (Yerevan) was gradually expanded to include the abandoned settlements of historic Shengavit.

In 1938, the Spandaryan raion (Спандарянский район) was formed by the decision of the Supreme Soviet of the Armenian SSR, thus laying foundation for the future Shengavit District.

Charbakh neighbourhood which is currently within the Shengavit District, was originally formed as a small village in 1924 at the south of the historic Teishebaini site of Karmir Blur hill.

The origin of the name is from the 4 farms or gardens that existed earlier in the area at the southeast of Shengavit, on the left bank of Hrazdan River.

In 1958, Charbakh became part of the newly-formed Shahumyan raion (Шаумянский район), thus becoming absorbed by the city Yerevan.

However, after the independence of Armenia, most of the heavy industry plants were abandoned or only survived with their minor capacities.

During the revival period after the economic crisis, many new large plants were inaugurated in Shengavit, including: Arantsk plant for roof fittings since 1995, Grand Tobacco for tobacco products since 1997, Shen Production for paints and building materials since 1999, Grand Candy factory for food products since 2000, Megerian handmade carpets mill since 2000, Shogh vegetable oil producing industrial complex since 2001, Mikmetal for metal structures since 2003, Narsan plant for roof fittings since 2003, Yerevan Metal Group Factory for steel products since 2007, Alex Grig alcohol plant in 2007 (replacing the former Polyvinyl acetate factory), Megerian Shin for metal structures since 2009, and Sil-Maaza plant for water and beverages since 2012, and Alex Textile hosiery plant since 2015.

Arshakunyats Avenue of Shengavit is home to many trade shops, galleries and commercial offices, including the "Synopsys Armenia" headquarters and "Hayrenik" cinema-theatre.

The Panos Terlemezyan Yerevan State College of Fine Arts (opened in 1921) is located on the Arshakunyats Avenue of Shengavit.

Shengavit is home to many prominent sport venues of Yerevan, including: The district is also home to several sport schools, including: The district is also represented at the Armenian Futsal Premier League through the Charbakh Yerevan Futsal Club formed in 2015.