&nbsp;<h1 style="text-align:center;">The Uncertain Future of the&nbsp;</h1><h1 style="text-align:center;">Forgotten Villages of Syunik</h1>This project was supported by CFLI.&nbsp; The views expressed in this video are those of the author(s)&nbsp; and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CFLI.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:18.63%;"><img src="/uploads/CFLI_Identifier_EN_FR_a216d4e395.jpg"></figure>

Around 60 villages in the Syunik Region have fewer than 100 residents. The population in these villages continues to decrease each year.

The Village of Locked Houses on the Edge of the Tailings Dam: Chapni 

"After 4 or 5 years, these last Mohicans will eventually leave, and no one in this village will open his doors during the winter. Isn't it a pity to leave behind this beauty, such a miracle, such nature? Who will take care of all this? Why should we leave? Where would we go?" says Arusyak.

Vahravar: A Privileged Status, Empty Homes 

Sixth-grader Vache is one of the 45 residents of Tavrus. He has decided to become the village head, build a new school, raise a large Armenian flag on it, and bring prosperity to the village… If, of course, a population remains in Tavrus and the village does not become just a name on the map. 

The Last Bell of the Village: Tavrus

Pukhrut is a small village in Kajaran that currently has no permanent residents.

The development of mining in the Syunik Region created new job opportunities, leading to a gradual decline in the population of nearby villages, eventually leaving Pukhrut empty. 

The Summer Village: Pukhrut

The village of Ajabaj lies on both banks of the Geghi River, a tributary of the Voghji River. It has only ten houses, a half-ruined church, and a few barns.

Eight people from four families live there year-round. 

Eight People, Ten Houses, and a Patched Bridge: Ajabaj

Getting to Nrnadzor was a challenging journey, requiring the permission of the Russians and navigating a bumpy road leading to the pomegranate orchards of the south neglected by Yerevan. The village head, Ara Azizyan, is harvesting from his orchard. While his eyes are focused on the pomegranates, his mind is occupied with the village problems.

The Pride and Poverty of the Neglected Village: Nrnadzor

In the country, “stretching from Noragavit to Masives," lies a village named Arevis. In this village, there’s a school with only three students, all from the same family. While the children argue about whether Santa Claus exists or not, their mother is busy planning what they will do once the school closes.


Live Where You Earn Your Living: Arevis

Gagik Patvakanyan, born in a mining region, earns his living at the Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine and wants to develop agriculture and tourism in Syunik.


A Handful of Homeland: Andokavan

In the village of Ajabaj in Kajaran, only four families live. Matilda, the village's only donkey, is the helper of the forester, Misha Hovhannisyan.




Misha and Matilda: Ajabaj

On weekends, Antarashat comes alive as its residents, who live in Kapan, return to the village. The village is filled with the chatter and laughter of children and young people. While 102 people are officially registered in Antarashat, only a few are involved in farming or rural work; most are employed in Kapan.

The End of the Week is the Beginning of Joy: Antarashat

We are in the Syunik region, visiting village after village and speaking with residents to understand the growing trend of locked homes. We know communities are working on developing strategic programs for village development, but the results are not yet visible—many villages struggle with poverty and half-emptiness.

Spiritual Reflection on Earthly Issues: Tatev

The village of Tandzatap in the Syunik region has plenty of pears, apples, beans, and fruit vodka but very few children. Only one child lives in the village, and two others come from the nearby village to attend school, making a total of three students.

Three Students, Twelve Teachers, and One Exception: Tandzatap

The Meghri community has a village called Lichk that has no young people. The village has a school but again has no students. Yet, there is hope for the future—if the mine opens, it will create jobs, attract families, and bring new life to the village.




The Present is the Closing School, the Future is the Opening Mine: Lichk

Once upon a time, in the land of Syunik (Meghri community), there was a charming village called Gudemnis. No one knew exactly how it began or why, but it had always been there. 

Once Upon a Time, There Was a Village: Gudemnis

The village of Tandzatap in the Syunik region has plenty of pears, apples, beans, and fruit vodka but very few children. Only one child lives in the village, and two others come from the nearby village to attend school, making a total of three students.




In the village of Kuris, part of the Meghri community, there is an abundant harvest but no one to gather it. Only nine families live there permanently. Yeghisabeth Tevanyan, now alone after her husband's passing, has her children and grandchildren in Agarak. For Yeghsik, life is no longer about herself—she simply wishes for her children's health and for there to be no war and sees little need for wealth.

Life Alone: ​​Kuris

Violeta Azaryan, a mother of nine, has faced displacement twice in her life. She now lives in the village of Nzhdeh in the Sisian community, where she raises livestock and plans for the future.

The Large Family in a Small Village: Nzhdeh

After being displaced in 2023, Zoya and Larisik's family of eight settled in the village of Bardzravan, Goris community. As their parents navigate the adult challenges of finding employment, securing housing, and planning their next steps, Zoya and Larisik bring a sense of childlike joy and lightness to Bardzravan.