After midnight on September 13, 2022, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale attack on Armenia utilizing drones, artillery and caliber firearms. Azerbaijani forces shelled the Syunik, Vayots Dzor and Gegharkunik regions, including military positions, civilian settlements and infrastructure in Goris, Kapan, Jermuk, Vardenis, Sotk, as well as Mount Ishkhanasar and Mount Artanish.
During the three days of fighting that ensued, many Armenian heroes were martyred, including Valodya Abrahamyan, Gourgen Gasparyan, Hayk Gasparyan, Hovik Gevorgyan, David Gishyan, Hayk Hakobyan, Gevorg Hayrapetyan, Zohrab Hovhannisyan, Sargis Khanoyan, Zorik Margaryan, Levon Melkonyan, Azat Nesisiyan, Mikayel Poghosyan, Argishti Stepanyan and many other lion-hearted Armenian soldiers. One of those heroes is Arman Tsaturyan, who heroically fought to keep Mount Ishkhanasar invincible like an impregnable fortress.
Arman Tsaturyan
Mount Ishkhanasar, or the Big Ishkhanasar (3,550m), literally “the mountain of lord,” is located in southern Armenia in the Syunik province. It has a volcanic crater, steep slopes and Sev Lich (Black Lake) at an altitude of 2,666m. Noravan, Metsdzor, Vakhatin and Shamb rivers flow from the mountain slopes. Mount Tsghuk (3,581m) and Mount Ukhtasar (3,500m) are located nearby, with a serene azure lake and ancient petroglyphs dating back to the Paleolithic age.
On September 14, 2022, Junior Sergeant Arman Tsaturyan became immortal, falling victim while defending Mount Ishkhanasar. He fired eight times from artillery in one minute, destroying all the enemy targets and breaking a military record.
Tsaturyan’s roots come from Hay Paris Village of the Shahumyan region of northern Artsakh. He was born on July 4, 2003 and attended school N191 named after David Hovsepyan. In 2015, he continued his education in secondary school N176 named after Gourgen Mahari, participating in a number of competitions (Kangaroo, Meghr) and being awarded a number of prizes. From 2018-2021, he completed high school named after Galust Gyulbenkyan.
While he was given the chance to study in Russia, Tsaturyan gave up that opportunity for the sake of his homeland. He returned to Armenia, leaving his studies in Russia unfinished. He was admitted to Armenian State University of Economics (ASUE), where he was a top student and a member of Student Council.
Dean of the Faculty of Management Manuk Movsisyan remembers: “He was a pioneer as an individual and was the first to help and assist his friends. When I look at his photo, I am sure that he would really be the first.”
Tsaturyan was also a connoisseur of history. He loved to read historical novels, and his favorite book was Gevorg Marzpetuni by Muratsan, which he read three times. He had also read Garegin Nzhdeh’s writings.
On January 19, 2022, Tsaturyan joined the army, serving in Lusakert military unit where he stood out for his high morality and willingness. After six-month service in Lusakert, he became a Junior Sergeant and continued his service in Sisian, Syunik.
July 4, 2023 commemorative matinee dedicated to Arman Tsaturyan’s 20th anniversary. Tsaturyan’s sister Luiza Tsaturyan is speaking on stage.
During the September 2022 attack, Tsaturyan fought heroically with swiftness, precision and bravery. While two of the artillery broke down, he acted quickly to create a false impression that they still worked. On September 14, Azeri forces fired more intensively. Hearing the sound of a drone, Tsaturyan called on his friends to conceal themselves, facing the attack alone. Tragically, the drone spotted Tsaturyan, and he was fatally wounded. While breathing his last, Tsaturyan released an eighth fire of artillery, fully destroying the enemy units.
On January 31, 2023, a classroom named after Arman Tsaturyan was opened in Yerevan’s High School N190. On July 4, 2023, a commemorative matinee was held in Malatia-Sebastia, Yerevan, dedicated to Tsaturyan’s 20th birthday.
Eternal glory to Arman Tsaturyan and all Armenian heroes who fell for the sake of their motherland, keeping the heights of the Armenian Highlands unapproachable.
“The army is a priority for me nowadays, as there is no defense without the army, and if there is no army, I cannot be sure that my family will live in peace,” Tsaturyan said.