Our village
LTSEN
Ltsen is a picturesque village in Armenia’s Syunik Province, known for its tranquil atmosphere and rich history. Founded in the 7th century, the village is surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes and embodies the timeless charm of rural Syunik.
The name of Ltsen
A local legend tells the story behind the village’s unique name. Long ago, when invaders advanced toward the surrounding lands, the people of Ltsen defended their home from the mountain peaks above. Led by Nerses Kertokh, the villagers rolled stones down the steep slopes, using the narrow, rugged road to their advantage and preventing the enemy from entering the village.
During the battle, Nerses Kertokh repeatedly shouted “Lts, lts…!” — meaning “throw, throw!” in Armenian. Over time, this call of courage and unity became the origin of the village’s name: Ltsen.
Historical facts
Ltsen is a village with a rich and layered history. St. Stephanos Church was built in the 10th century, and monuments from the 7th century, along with a 13th-century chapel (Surb Khach / Saint Cross), can still be found in and around the village. Archaeological excavations have uncovered artifacts from later periods, as well as evidence of a settlement dating back to 3000 BC.
In the Middle Ages, Ltsen was known as Ishkhananist — “The Place of Princes” in Armenian — and was home to the sepulcher of Syunik prince Esai. In 1781, the village became part of the domain of the renowned Tatev Monastery.
The village began to grow and flourish after 1800, when Armenians returning from Khoy resettled in their ancestral lands. Ltsen’s residents played a significant role in the liberation struggle of Syunik and in defending the independence of Lernahayastan (the Mountainous Armenian Republic), led by regent Garegin Nzhdeh, who visited the village several times during the 1921 liberation war.
During the Soviet era, the collective farm “Ask” was established in 1930. Like many communities, Ltsen faced the hardships of World War II, as many men served on the frontlines, yet the village continued to work toward future goals and contributed to the eventual victory.
By the 1950s, Ltsen had around 75 households and a village school with 170 students. In 1970, the local agricultural collective merged with neighboring collectives in Darbas.
In the 1990s, Ltsen—like the rest of Armenia—faced difficult wartime conditions. With a population of about 170, the villagers took part in the defense and liberation of the Armenian lands of Artsakh, honoring the memory of their heroic sons who sacrificed their lives for their homeland.
Development Project
Information coming soon.