Fleeting glimpses into Syunik’s villages

In October, a group of us embarked on a trip to unveil Syunik’s treasures in the villages of Angeghakot, Aghitu, Lor and Shenatagh. Under the guidance of Sevak Arevshatyan, a linguist and a connoisseur of khachkars (cross-stones), we set out at daybreak. The first leg of our journey was the enchanting village of Angeghakot, situated in the Sisian municipality of the Syunik province of Armenia.

According to the Dictionary of Toponymy of Armenia and Adjacent Territories, the village of Angeghakot, situated 9-10 kilometers to the northwest of Sisian city and on the high elevation of the Vorotan river left bank where the roads of Yeghegnadzor and Nakhichevan cross, was named Angelaut, Angeghagut, Angeghakuyt, Ankeghy and Anghilakut in the past (Yerevan 1986, p. 253). The population of the village significantly increased in 1828-1829 A.D. on account of settlers from Khoy and Salmast. Israel Ori, a prominent figure of the Armenian liberation movement, is said to have descended from Angeghakot. The village boasts St. Astvatsatsin, St. Stepanos and St. Hazaraprkich churches, as well as St. Vardan Zoravar sanctuary, where the commander’s exhausted army is believed to have stopped when returning from the Battle of Avarayr in 451 A.D.