In Qarashen village people lived in cave houses until 1960. When you look at Qarashen village (Syunik Region) from a distance, it is hard to believe that 50 years ago people really lived in these caves. In the USSR, it was considered a great shame that in such a developed country there were settlements where people still lived in caves. Therefore, entire villages were relocated, and people settled in places with more favorable conditions. The inhabitants of Qarashen destroyed their houses and used the material for the construction of their new houses. A new village was built, the name of which remains Qarashen.
We met several elderly people in the village. We approached them and asked several questions about their village. When we asked them if there is still a living person in the village who used to live in these cave houses, they looked at each other and answered in unison that they all lived there.
We were very happy to hear that and invited them to join us to see the ancient and abandoned village. Of course, they agreed to walk with us and tell us about their lives in these caves. But before that, grandpa Grisha suggested to visit their house, take bread and cheese with us and then hit the road.
The old village is very interesting. It is a pity that no one looks after it. Therefore, everything that has been preserved also gradually disappears. The Qarashen village has all the potential to become an attractive tourist destination such as Khndzoresk. But unfortunately, today, only few people know about Qarashen.
Photos by Tigran Shahbazyan and Hripsime Hovhannisyan
Hiking and Trekking in Armenia
