Lor Village: Hamo Sahyan House-Museum
I am in Lor village, in the Sisian region of Syunik. At first glance, it stands out with its clean and narrow streets. You can walk here for a long time and enjoy it immensely.
They say that when the Armenian prince Lorik heroically fell in battle against the enemy, he was buried not far from the village, and a chapel was built over his grave. The village was then named after the prince—Lor. To this day, Prince Lorik’s chapel still stands.
Hamo Sahyan House-Museum
This is the village where the renowned poet Hmayak Grigoryan, better known as Hamo Sahyan, was born. I believe there is hardly anyone who does not love his works.
We visit the museum. Admission is free. The poet’s house was renovated a few years ago. Unfortunately, you will not find the warmth and atmosphere you expect.
As you move forward, you will see poems displayed on the walls. Here are his writing desk, where he worked for more than ten years, clocks, photographs, and inscribed books he received as gifts. There are many objects telling the story of the master, transporting you in your thoughts to times long gone.
Let me tell you some interesting facts. For example, Sahyan created his pen name by combining the first part of his father’s name, Sahak—”Sah”—with the ending of his surname, “yan.”
Hamo Sahyan’s poems had been published since the 1930s, but he gained nationwide recognition with his wartime poem Nairian Green Poplar, distinguished by its emotional outburst of longing and sincerity toward Armenia.
The master translated works by A. Pushkin, S. Yesenin, G. Lorca, and other poets. In Sahyan’s poetry, rain, trees, lightning, rivers, lakes, and other elements of nature become living characters.
He always used to say, “I was a villager, and I still am,” and he was always proud of it. He was a man of great culture. He never kept anyone waiting; he was always the first to arrive for a meeting.
Armenia is one of the central themes of Hamo Sahyan’s works. At the end of your visit, you will be handed a small clay pot. Reach inside and take out a piece of paper. Have you opened it? It contains lines by Sahyan. I have one too. In this way, Sahyan will always be with you.
To arrange your visit, contact Basen Hotel & Tours.
