Just feet away from the Azerbaijani border, one man’s land has turned into a museum of ancient Armenian artifacts.
“Not only is our national existence in danger, but also our cultural values.” – Souren (Surik) Harutunyan
Souren Harutunyan, also known as Surik, was born and raised in Armenia, and has lived his whole life in his home in a small village in Goris on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.
Nestled in a rocky valley, down a bumpy dirt road, Surik has built not only a home, but some may say a museum within itself. Scattered around his land lay carved rocks, some with crosses, some sculpted as large animals such as a donkey and a ram.
Carved into these sculptures are hidden messages or in other words, meanings. The ram was discovered with very faint carvings on the side. A man, a woman, and a donkey are etched, symbolizing a long prosperous life, according to Surik. Although the exact date cannot be confirmed, Surik believes some date back as far as 5,000 years and some are from the Christian era.
Some of the rocks that Surik has collected over the years have come from neighboring lakes, rivers, ponds, and other bodies of water both big and small, deep and shallow. Others have come from the canyons and mountains that surround his home. Surik believes the carvings to be gifts from nature, “Be one with nature,” he says.
Many years of Surik’s life have been spent protecting his land and creating safe spaces for the next generation of young Armenians living in Karahunj. The proximity to Azerbaijan makes real the threat that his land could be seized from him at any point. “Everything is in danger,” he says frequently.
Up the road from Suriks home sits a small cave. Although the cave has been there for thousands of years, Surik took it upon himself to carve the inside to make it feel more like a home. Hand carved shelves, a fireplace, and small openings for things like cups, bibles, and other necessities stay vacant until occupied by his kids and the generations to follow.
“Do not be afraid,” – Surik
A short drive away sits another cave that has a different purpose. Many cans fill the grounds of this cold cave. Vegetables, meats, and bottles of homemade alcohol sit for winter.
Despite being the closest man on the eastern side of the Armenian-Azerbijian border, Surik has no fear. Instead, he hopes that his land will be safe enough to become a tourist attraction in the future, allowing those from afar to swim in the lake, and enjoy the land, showing the beauty Armenia has to offer.
“God will protect us,” – Surik
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